NL Patent Office

Trademarks

A trademark is a sign that distinguishes your products or services from those of your competitors. Essential is that the trademark has distinguishing characteristics.

Examples of a trademark are word marks or device marks, like the name Shell or its logo. Also packages, like the Coca-Cola bottle can be protected.

You only obtain the right after your trademark is registered in the trademark register. Registering your trademark gives you the exclusive right to use the trademark for certain products and services and to forbid others using your trademark.

You can choose between a:

• Benelux trademark
• Community trademark
• International trademark