Workbook on Digital Private Papers > Legal Issues > Intellectual Property Rights
Trademark
Trademarks offer a way of distinguishing goods and services from other providers. They are distinctive signs that might consist of words, pictures or logos. To qualify for registration, a trademark must be unique to the goods and services for which it is being registered and must not be illegal, for example it must not be defamatory. A trademark registered with the UK Patent Office can be renewed indefinitely, but it may be revoked if it becomes generic for the product it is associated with. Trademarks may also be registered with other agencies abroad, notably the European Trade Mark registry (OHIM) which registers marks valid across the EU. UK Trademarks are governed principally by the Trademarks Act 1994, although this legislation has been subject to some amendments.
An overview of trademarks is published by the UK Patent Office.
Disclaimer: the guidance given in the Paradigm workbook is not legal advice. Legal advice from a solicitor with expertise in the appropriate field should be sought before taking action in relation to specific matters.
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