What is a trade mark?

The definition of a trade mark varies slightly from one jurisdiction to another. In the United Kingdom and European Union, a trade mark is defined as any sign which is capable of distinguishing the goods and services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings, and which is capable of being represented graphically.

Most trade marks are words, logos, designs, letters, numerals or combinations of these elements. However, the above definition is broad enough to allow for more unusual types of trade marks including sounds (such as advertising jingles), three-dimensional shapes (such as the shape of goods or their packaging), or colours.