Trademarks are not a new concept – they date back to ancient human civilization, it has been reported.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), craftsmen many years ago would reproduce their signatures – or ‘marks’ – on artistic or utilitarian products.
Over time these marks evolved into today’s system of trademark registration and protection, the body explained.
WIPO defined a trademark as “a distinctive sign which identifies certain goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise”.
The trademark system helps consumers identify and purchase a product or service because its nature and quality, indicated by its unique trademark, meets their needs, the organization added.
According to a recent WIPO report, trademarks are the most common form of intellectual property protection, eclipsing patents, copyrights and other safeguards.