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What are some unusual trademark types?

Founder & Trademark Attorney

Beyond the standard wordmarks, logos, and combined marks, several non-traditional trademark types can be registered in certain jurisdictions.

Color marks protect a specific color or color combination as a distinctive identifier, such as the distinctive red sole of a Louboutin shoe. Sound marks protect a distinctive audio signature, such as a brand jingle or the Intel chime. Shape marks protect a three-dimensional product or packaging shape, such as the Coca-Cola bottle. Motion marks protect a specific animation or moving sequence, commonly used by film studios and technology companies. In a small number of jurisdictions, smell marks and taste marks can also be registered, though these are extremely rare.

All non-traditional marks face a higher bar for registration and must typically demonstrate that consumers associate the sign with a single commercial source.

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