What is a Trademark?
What is a Trademark?
In Taiwan, a trademark is a sign used to distinguish one trader’s goods or services from those of others. It helps customers identify your brand and may become a valuable business asset.
A trademark may include words, names, letters, numerals, logos, shapes, colours, sounds or combinations of distinctive elements, subject to the applicable requirements.
Benefits of Trademark Registration in Taiwan
Registering a trademark can help you protect your brand and build long-term business value.
Protect Your Brand
Strengthen your legal rights against unauthorized use of identical or confusingly similar marks.
Build Brand Recognition
Help customers identify and distinguish your products or services.
Create Business Value
A registered trademark can be licensed, assigned or sold.
Support Global Expansion
Secure your brand in important markets as your business expands.
Distinguish Your Business
A trademark helps distinguish your goods or services from those of other businesses. Registration can strengthen your rights and support enforcement against unauthorised use.
- Distinctive Brand Sign
- Exclusive Usage Rights
- Brand Value Protection
- Support for Enforcement
Common Types of Trademarks
Documents Required for Registration
Types of Trademarks in Taiwan
A trademark can be more than a business name or logo. Words, logos, shapes, colours, sounds and other distinctive signs may be considered for protection, subject to the applicable requirements in Taiwan.
| Mark Type | Definition & Registration Tips | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Word Marks |
A word mark protects distinctive words, letters, numbers or phrases used to identify a brand. It is commonly used for brand names, product names and slogans. |
Google; Ford |
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Tips: 1. Protecting a brand name as a word mark can provide flexibility in how the name is displayed.
2. If you use both English and Chinese versions of a brand name, consider whether each version should be protected separately. |
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Logo Marks |
A logo mark protects distinctive visual elements of a brand, such as a symbol, graphic or stylised design. |
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Tip: If your brand name and logo are both important and may be used separately, consider protecting them separately.
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3-D Shape Marks |
A shape mark can protect a distinctive three-dimensional shape associated with a product or its packaging. |
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Tip: Not every shape is registrable. The requirements vary by jurisdiction.
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Colour Marks |
A distinctive colour or combination of colours may qualify for trademark protection where it functions as an indicator of commercial origin. |
(Tiffany Blue)
(Cadbury Purple)
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Sound Marks |
A sound mark uses a distinctive sound to identify the commercial origin of goods or services. |
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Other Signs |
Other non-traditional signs may be eligible depending on the applicable requirements. |
Seek advice on registrability and representation requirements before filing. |
Beyond Traditional Logos
Words & Numerals
Word marks protect distinctive text, letters or numerals used to identify your brand, including brand names, product names and slogans.
Shapes & Packaging
Distinctive product shapes or packaging may qualify for protection when they identify the commercial source of goods.
Sounds & Colours
Distinctive sounds, colours and other non-traditional signs may qualify for protection, subject to the applicable requirements in Taiwan.
Ready to protect your brand in Taiwan?
Whether you use a word mark, logo or another distinctive sign, our Taiwan team can help identify the documents and filing scope required for an application.