Criteria for Non-text Trademarks

For marks that go beyond letters, words, numerals, and special characters, specific criteria apply:

Matching Standard

• The recorded name of the Trademark is considered an identical match to the reported name if it includes Characters (letters, words, numerals, keyboard signs, and punctuation marks).
• These characters must be predominant, clearly separable or distinguishable from the device element.

Order Requirement

All predominant characters must be included in the trademark record submitted to the Clearinghouse in the same order they appear in the mark.

Order Verification

In case of doubt about the order of characters, the description provided by the Trademark office takes precedence. If no description is available, the Clearinghouse may allocate such Trademarks to a specialized internal team with in-depth knowledge of national and regional trademark law.

Research Process

The internal team conducts independent research on how the Trademark is used, including checks on websites. The Trademark Holder or Trademark Agent may be requested to provide additional documentary evidence on how the Trademark is used.