Various different types of trademarks can be registered by businesses, organizations and individuals, it has been claimed.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the possibilities are “almost limitless”.
Trademarks may be one or a combination of words, letters, and numerals, the body said.
“They may consist of drawings, symbols, three-dimensional signs such as the shape and packaging of goods, audible signs such as music or vocal sounds, fragrances, or colors used as distinguishing features,” WIPO explained.
The organization said that in addition to trademarks identifying the commercial source of goods or services, several other categories of marks exist.
Collective marks are owned by an association whose members use them to identify themselves with a level of quality and other requirements set by the association, it noted.
And certification marks are given for compliance with defined standards, but are not confined to any membership.
An example of this would be the ISO 9000 quality standards, WIPO said.