Certification Trademarks
What is a Certification Trademark?
Among various types of trademarks, a Certification Trademark (CTM) is the one which signifies that the product or services offered by a particular trader meet certain set standards.
Some of the certified standards are:
- Quality
- Content
- Manufacturing process
- The geographic source of origin
A Certification Trademark is generally used on the products and services from multiple sources of origin and not just on those supplied by one particular trader.
What Does a CTM look like?
Certification Trademark can be any symbol like any normal trademark. However, CTMs do not represent the brand of the marketer of that particular product, but signifies some or all of the certified standards mentioned above. For instance, this particular Certification Trademark can be used only on products made or grown in Australia. Another example would be the universally accepted CTM for wool, which when used on a particular fabric, certifies it as pure wool.
Who Certifies these Standards?
Authorized certifiers or owners of Certification Trademarks, have the right to approve the set standards. They follow certain set rules that determine certification standards. Additionally, they must have the knowledge and tools to test that the said standard is met appropriately.
Who are CTM Users?
The owners of CTMs have the right to use these and also approve others to do the same. However, use of CTM needs to be compliant with CTM rules mentioned below.
What are the Rules for the Use of a CTM?
The following must be specified as a minimum while using any CTM:
- The list of standards that a product or service should meet
- The steps to decide that these standards have been followed
- The requirements to be able to act as an approved certifier
- The requirements an owner or an authorized user of a CTM must meet
- Any other prerequisite for using a CTM must be met
- Dispute resolution procedure in the event that a certain product or service does not meet a certification standard or in case of any other concern pertaining to the use of CTM.
These rules are available to general public.
How the Apply for a CTM?
The application procedure for a CTM is similar to that of any ordinary trademark. The exception to the process is that a copy of rules pertaining to the use of CTM must be included either while applying or at the earliest possible after submitting the application.
How is the Application Assessed?
This process is also similar to the one used for an ordinary trademark. In addition, the application and the rules of use need to be approved by a local or national authorized body carrying out the same.Such a body evaluates various aspects of the CTM, like the effectiveness of rules and the potential effect of the certification scheme. The applicant might be asked to modify the rules before a final approval is issued.
If you need any more assistance with understanding, applying for or using a CTM, contact us for prompt support.
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