Trade Marks Explained

A trade mark is the means by which a business identifies its goods or services and distinguishes them from the goods and services supplied by other businesses.

The Trade Marks Act , 1996(as Amended) defines a trade mark as "any sign which is capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings and is capable of being represented on the register".

A trade mark may consist of words, (including personal names), designs, logos, letters, numerals or the shape of goods or of their packaging, or of other signs or indications that are capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of others.

Examples of familiar Irish trade marks are: Kerrygold, Glanbia, Tayto, Siucra.