How To Select A Trademark Name And Its Importance

Selecting an appropriate trademark name is essential• The word may be suggestive that is it does not
to get a hassle free registration. Not all names can beactually describe the characteristic or nature of goods
registered for all goods and services.or services but makes the customer use his
Main criteria for a trademark name gettingimagination as to how the word may be associated
registration are:with the goods or services.
• The word should be arbitrary or fanciful in nature.• No marks consisting of a line heading alone is
For e.g. 'Apple' name for computers and iPods. By noregistrable under the textile goods.
way will a customer will be confused for nameThe word as far as possible should be an adjective
'Apple" being used for computers which is a fruitthan a noun or a verb and should not be in a
name, thus making the name 'Apple' for the goods aspossessive form or plural form.
fanciful and distinctive.• The word should be attributed properly with
• The word should not be descriptive. For e.g.particular style, font, logo or symbol for better
'Orlwoola" was held to be descriptive for woolenprotection.
goods as the word described the nature of the• The word or logo should not represent the flag
goods.or name or symbol any country.
• The word should not be generic. For e.g. nameThere is difference between brand name and
of a person unless having a mass recognition will notcompany trade name protection. It is essentially not
be registered.necessary that the brand name gives protection to
• The word should not have geographical indicationthe company name also as both need not be same.
or any mountain or river name, unless proven to beTherefore both have to be protected separately. In
distinctive under the class to be registered. For e.g.case of domain names also, by registering a domain
"Magnolia" though a flower name could be registeredname which is an internet protocol address doesn't
as it was used for goods which had no connectionmean one has got protection for company name.
with the origin of the name.Hence, both have to be protected separately. To
• The word should not be names of chemicalsum up, the word has to be distinctive to the nature
elements or international non -proprietary names. Forand characteristics of the goods and services
e.g. "Oxygen" cannot be used as a trademark nameprovided.
for mineral water.