What are "Well-known Trademarks" and "Associated Trademarks"?

Well-known trademark in relation to any goods or services, means a mark which has become so to the substantial segment of the public which uses such goods or receives such services that the use of such mark in relation to other goods or services would be likely to be taken as indicating a connection in the course of trade or rendering of services between those goods or services and a person using the mark in relation to the first-mentioned goods or services.

Associated Trademarks means trademarks deemed to be, or required to be, registered as associated trademarks under this Act.

How is "Trademark" defined?

Trademark means a mark capable of being represented graphically and which is capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of other and may include shape of goods, their packaging and combination of colours; and

(i) in relation to Chapter XII (other than section 107), a registered trade mark or a mark used in relation to goods or services for the purpose of indicating or so as to indicate a connection in the course of trade between the goods or services, as the case may be, and some person having the right as proprietor to use the mark and

(ii) in relation to other provisions of this Act, a mark used or proposed to be used in relation to goods or services for the purpose of indicating or so to indicate a connection in the course of trade between the goods or services, as the case may be, and some person having the right, either as proprietor or by way of permitted user, to use the mark whether with or without any indication of the identity of that person, and includes a certification trade mark or collective mark.

How is the Trademarks Act 1999 different from the Trade and Merchandising Marks Act 1958?

Enactment of the Trademarks Act 1999 is a big step forward from the Trade and Merchandise Marks Act 1958 and the Trademark Act 1940. The newly enacted Act has some features not present in the 1958 Act and these are:-

(i)Registration of service marks, collective marks and certification trademarks.

(ii)Increasing the period of registration and renewal from 7 years to 10 years.

(iii)Allowing filing of single application for registration in more than one class.

(iv)Enhanced punishment for offences related to trademarks.

(v)Exhaustive definitions for terms frequently used.

(vi)Simplified procedure for registration of registered users and enlarged scope of permitted use. (vii)Constitution of an Appellate Board for speedy disposal of appeals and rectification applications which at present lie before High Court.