Legally, a trademark is a protected sign which is used to distinguish the products or services of one business from another.

Basically, any graphic representations can be used as trademarks under the law: For example, words (e.g., Victorinox), combinations of letters (e.g., ABB), numericals (e.g., 501), graphic images (e.g., the SBB logo), three-dimensional forms (e.g., the Mercedes star), slogans (e.g., Cats would buy Whiskas), any combination of these elements, and a series of tones (acoustic trademarks, e.g., the Ricola jingle). Further more.

Information on other protective rights such as patents and designs can be found under intellectual property.

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Trademarks > The Trademark