TrademarksA trademark may be a name , word, sign, symbol, logo or image used by an organization or individual to uniquely identify their product and services to the consumer. A trademark is usually applicable only to a specific range of products and services which are available in a particular country, but multinational companies have trademarks registered in all companies where they have a significant presence.
The ™ symbol is used when the trademark rights are claimed with respect to a particular logo or mark but not registered with the relevant government trademark registration office in the country. After the symbol or trademark has been registered, the ® symbol is used to indicate that the trademark registration is complete. Legal action can be taken by the owner of the trademark to prevent unauthorized use of the trademark by any other company or individual.
If the trademark is not actively used for a period of time, the registration may not remain valid. A renewal fee has to be paid every year. Many countries allow the trademark to be de registered if it is not used for a period of three to five years.
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