Global Brand Database

Global trademarks can be confusing, especially if you're trying to register your trademark on a global scale. The best way to search for more than 33 million records across 35 international collections is The Global Brand Database. Researching in this database is the first step you should take to determine if an identical or similar mark is already registered. Before you file an application for a trademark, you can perform a search on the Global Brand Database. You can also use the database to browse the various trademarks in markets that are appealing to you.

Trademarks: An Overview

Trademarks are signs that distinguish the services or goods produced or offered by one company from another company. A trademark has protection under intellectual property rights. On a regional or national level, you can obtain trademark protection through registering the mark. This process involves submitting an application with the regional or national trademark office and paying any necessary filing fee.

If you want to register on an international level, there are two ways to do so:

  • Register through the WIPO Madrid System, or
  • File separate trademark applications with each office in every country you seek protection. 

The principle of registering a trademark confers exclusive rights to use the mark. An owner can use the trademark exclusively or license the rights to someone else for a fee. Registering your trademark gives you legal protection that no one else can use the mark without being at risk for legal action.

Trademark registration terms vary, but in most countries, the term is ten years. You may be able to continue to renew your trademark by paying an additional fee at the end of each term. All protections held under trademark laws are private rights and enforcing those rights is handled through the court system.

Trademarks may include a single word or a combination of letters, words, or numerals. Additionally, options like symbols, drawings, sounds, color shades, fragrances, or three-dimensional shapes can constitute trademarks, as long as they are used as features that distinguish one brand or product from another. You could qualify for trademark protection on a unique shape of materials packaging or jingle. The possibilities are wide and extensive under trademark laws.

A service mark or trademark is considered to be the brand name for a company. Most trademarks include a logo or a short phrase that sets one business apart from another. For companies providing services, a service mark offers the same protection as a trademark. Both service marks and trademarks are especially important in the globalized tourism sector and will continue to play a role in the development of this industry. 

No matter what type of service mark or trademark your business uses, it is important to register your mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If you choose not to register or maintain registration of your mark, it may imply that you don't need to protect it anymore or that you're not using it.

All registrations are handled by the USPTO and the process involves researching existing trademarks within the database, submitting your application online, and paying any necessary fees. Companies that operate on an international scale might choose to register service marks or trademarks through international registration entities.

International Trademark Registration Process

It is not required to register your trademark with an international office. However, businesses that operate in countries outside the United States should seriously consider registering their trademarks internationally. For businesses with mainly American customers, the time or cost associated with international trademark registration probably isn't worthwhile. Businesses operating online often sell goods to international customers, so registering trademarks internationally is often a good way to protect the mark. 

The main registration system for international trademark protection is the Madrid System, also referred to as the Madrid Protocol. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administers the registration process. By using the Madrid System, you can apply for a trademark in multiple countries by filing an application with the United States, a member country of this organization. Filing this application is equal to submitting an application in multiple countries, as long as the trademark office in the country allows protection of your mark.

If you need help with global trademarks, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

The best way to search for more than 33 million records across 35 international collections is The Global Brand Database. Researching in this database is the first step you should take to determine if an identical or similar mark is already registered. Before you file an application for a trademark, you can perform a search on the Global Brand Database. You can also use the database to browse the various trademarks in markets that are appealing to you.

Trademarks: An Overview

Trademarks are signs that distinguish the services or goods produced or offered by one company from another company. A trademark has protection under intellectual property rights. On a regional or national level, you can obtain trademark protection through registering the mark. This process involves submitting an application with the regional or national trademark office and paying any necessary filing fee.

If you want to register on an international level, there are two ways to do so:

  • Register through the WIPO Madrid System, or
  • File separate trademark applications with each office in every country you seek protection. 

The principle of registering a trademark confers exclusive rights to use the mark. An owner can use the trademark exclusively or license the rights to someone else for a fee. Registering your trademark gives you legal protection that no one else can use the mark without being at risk for legal action.

Trademark registration terms vary, but in most countries, the term is ten years. You may be able to continue to renew your trademark by paying an additional fee at the end of each term. All protections held under trademark laws are private rights and enforcing those rights is handled through the court system.

Trademarks may include a single word or a combination of letters, words, or numerals. Additionally, options like symbols, drawings, sounds, color shades, fragrances, or three-dimensional shapes can constitute trademarks, as long as they are used as features that distinguish one brand or product from another. You could qualify for trademark protection on a unique shape of materials packaging or jingle. The possibilities are wide and extensive under trademark laws.

A service mark or trademark is considered to be the brand name for a company. Most trademarks include a logo or a short phrase that sets one business apart from another. For companies providing services, a service mark offers the same protection as a trademark. Both service marks and trademarks are especially important in the globalized tourism sector and will continue to play a role in the development of this industry. 

No matter what type of service mark or trademark your business uses, it is important to register your mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If you choose not to register or maintain registration of your mark, it may imply that you don't need to protect it anymore or that you're not using it.

All registrations are handled by the USPTO and the process involves researching existing trademarks within the database, submitting your application online, and paying any necessary fees. Companies that operate on an international scale might choose to register service marks or trademarks through international registration entities.

International Trademark Registration Process

It is not required to register your trademark with an international office. However, businesses that operate in countries outside the United States should seriously consider registering their trademarks internationally. For businesses with mainly American customers, the time or cost associated with international trademark registration probably isn't worthwhile. Businesses operating online often sell goods to international customers, so registering trademarks internationally is often a good way to protect the mark. 

The main registration system for international trademark protection is the Madrid System, also referred to as the Madrid Protocol. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administers the registration process. By using the Madrid System, you can apply for a trademark in multiple countries by filing an application with the United States, a member country of this organization. Filing this application is equal to submitting an application in multiple countries, as long as the trademark office in the country allows protection of your mark.

If you need help with global trademarks, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.