In business, building and protecting a brand is extremely important. The two concepts of Trademark and Brand are often confused. Understanding the difference between the two will help you protect your brand effectively.
1. Definition
- Trademark: Is a sign used to distinguish the goods and services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. Trademarks can be words, images, sounds, or a combination of these elements. Trademarks are protected by law and the owner has the right to sue others for using their trademark without permission.
- Brand: Is a set of perceptions, emotions and thoughts of consumers about a product, service, organization, or individual. A brand is formed from many factors such as product quality, service, image, reputation, core values, etc.
2. The Difference Between Trademark And Brand
| Feature | Brand | Trademark |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | How customers perceive a product/service. | A legally protected symbol (logo, name) that distinguishes a business from its competitors. |
| Scope | Not all brands are trademarks. | Essential for comprehensive brand protection. |
| Association | Tied to company culture, reputation, and product image. | Often expressed through a unique logo, color scheme, and typography. |
| Legal Aspect | Not legally binding; chosen based on product image, reputation, etc. | Legally protected, representing the legal identity of products/services. |
| Limitations | Can overlap with other businesses in different geographical locations. | Nationally protected; cannot be copied by other businesses. |
| Duration | No expiration date. | Has an expiration date (usually 10 years) and can be renewed. |
| Use | Anyone can use it; no legal restrictions. | Only the trademark owner has exclusive rights to use it. |
| Purpose | Marketing and promoting products/services to customers. | Enables easy brand recognition and protects businesses from infringement. |
| Protection | Not legally protected. | Legally protected; allows businesses to take legal action against infringement. |
Examples:
- Brand: Apple evokes feelings of luxury and innovation.
- Trademark: Apple's logo of a bitten apple.
3. The Importance Of Brand Protection
- Avoid counterfeiting and imitation: Brand protection helps businesses have the exclusive right to use their trademarks, avoiding exploitation by bad actors.
- Enhance prestige and value: A strong brand helps to enhance customer trust, creating a sustainable competitive advantage.
- Increase business value: Brands are valuable intangible assets that contribute to increasing business value.
4. How To Protect Your Brand Effectively?
- Register for trademark protection: This is the first and most important step.
- Build a comprehensive brand strategy: From logos, slogans, colors, messages, etc., need to be consistent and reflect core values.
- Control the use of trademarks: Monitor the market and promptly prevent infringing acts.
- Improve product and service quality: Quality is the key factor in creating a sustainable brand.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between Trademark and Brand is the basic knowledge to help businesses effectively protect their brands. Building and protecting a brand is a long process, requiring serious and methodical investment. Do you want more detailed advice on brand protection solutions? Contact Lameco immediately for support!
Don't forget to subscribe to the email below to receive the latest newsletters on the e-commerce market situation in the coming time!
Lameco - Accompanying you in operating and developing your brand!