How to use your trademarks properly in order not to weaken their protection?
- Use the trademark with the exact spelling that is registered (do not alter, vary the spelling, add or delete hyphens, make one word into two…).
- Use the device logo as it has been registered (never modify, add or delete any letter, colors or proportions, …).
- Use the ® symbol when using your registered trademark in text form. However, in the USA, never use the ® symbol before the registration is effective, use the ™ symbol in the meantime.
- If you’ve used your trademark in text with the ® symbol once it will suffice, you don’t need to repeat it thereafter.
- For product trademarks we do not create a logo but use the following crative examples as a headline following our branding guidelines:
Font: Dax Medium
Color: Primary colors, white, black, gradient
Tracking (in thousands of en em): -30
- When the product name uses the creative example, it doesn´t require the use of the ® or ™ symbol.
How to maintain your trademark registration?
In order to maintain your trademark and your registration you must be able to prove its continued use by submitting what is called “proof of use” to the trademark offices.
Proof generally accepted
- pictures and/or specimen/samples of products clearly showing the trademark
- product labels, tags, packaging clearly showing the trademark
- e-commerce websites and or websites related to the product
- pictures of exhibitions and trade fairs where the products is presented
Proof not sufficient if submitted alone
- invoices, purchase orders
- leaflets and brochures
Proof refused
- letterhead papers
- visiting cards …