Which Trademark: a word or a logo?

Which is better, a word or a logo trademark?

Trademark applicants are faced with the choice of filing a word or a logo trademark application for their trademark. A word trademark application may comprise a single word, phrase or slogan and the like. A logo trademark application may comprise stylised text, images (devices) and the like.

Generally, a word trademark application will give you broader protection for your trademark. The reason for this is that a logo trademark application is arguably only infringed by a sign that looks similar to the logo.

The general rule therefore is to file a word trademark application where you can and to file a logo application where the examiner objects that the trademark is too descriptive - the distincive visual elements in the logo may be enough to get you across the line. Many trademark applicants file both a word and a trademark application for complementary protection, providing protection against deceptively similar sounding signs and deceptively similar looking signs.

If you have any questions about whether to file a logo or word trademark application, please contact us and we would be more than glad to assist you.

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