A comparative study of the substantive provisions of trademarks with an emphasis on color and three-dimensional marks

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Economy and Administrative Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Ph.D. Student of Private Law, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

3 Ph.D. Student of Private Law, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

To be considered a trademark, symbols and emblems must be missing some situations (negative substantive conditions) and have some conditions (Positive substantive conditions). Non-traditional marks, especially those which are visible such as colors and three-dimensional marks face challenges In order to comply with these conditions. Some declare that such mark are not registerable as they strictly believe trademarks limited to the traditional marks such as letters and numbers and images and they emphasize that non-traditional visual symbols are neither able to meet some essential requirements nor- due to their specific nature- are acceptable as a trademark because of the limited grounds. In contrast, some believe that not only can the symptoms coordinate with the terms of traditional trademark, but also the need to promote such innovation requires support of these signs. In line with the second opinion, it seems that examples of trademarks are only a way to distinguish the origin of goods and persons aand are not limited to traditional marks.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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