A company logo and brand name can both be protected as a trademark. A logo and brand name when registered as trademark are protected and known as trademarks. There are significant difference between a logo, a brand and a trademark from a legal rights perspective.
What is a Logo?
A logo is a symbol comprised of words, images, and colors that is used to identify a business, organization, individual or enterprise. Logos serve to represent a given organization or company through a visual image that can be easily understood and recognized.
By utilizing your logo as broadly as possible, you can develop increased recognition for your company by the increased use of your logo. For example, Apple’s logo is worldwide famous and we can recognize a product or gadget that belongs to Apple Company.
A logo serves various purposes like:
- Make a first impression
- Help you stand out in a crowd
- Shape your brand identity
- Create a strategic branding tool
- Promote brand awareness
- Strengthen your message
What is a Brand?
Brand refers to a company’s overall image. The goal of a brand name is to provide an easy way to recognize and remember the name that evokes a positive response in consumers.
Brands consist of a number of elements such as Identity, image, personality, character, culture, essence and reputation. These elements taken together determine the value of a brand in the marketplace.
A brand name serves two main purposes:
- Identification
- Verification
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a type of intellectual property that consists of a recognizable sign, devices, or expression that identifies and distinguishes products or services from other sources. It can include any combination of a name, slogan, logo, sounds or colors that identify the company or its products or services.
A trademark registration establishes ownership of a brand, name, or logo. It safeguards your brand against unauthorized third-party use. The registered trademark establishes that the product is entirely yours, and you have the sole right to use, sell, and modify the brand or goods in any way you see fit.
Difference between a logo, a brand and a trademark?
It is a common perception that a Logo is a Trademark. All logos and brands are not trademarks but all trademarks are brands. A company logo and brand name can both be protected as a trademark. A logo and brand name when registered as trademark are protected and known as trademarks.
| Logo/ Brand | Trademark |
| It doesn’t provide any solid protection. | It provides you with legal protection. |
| Others can start using your logo or brand name without your permission. | Others will need your permission to use or lease your logo or brand image after you have Trademark Registration. |
| The logo is generally a graphical image. A brand is a name given to a product by its owner or manufacturer. | Trademarks can be of a variety of types including audio, colour hue, devices, numerals etc. |
| Competitors can misuse your logo. | Trademark Registration provides you with intellectual rights and thus no competitor can use your logo. |
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Note: This Post was last updated on February 16, 2023
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