Trademarking surnames

Dec 2022

Having difficult surnames may be challenging to explain others and also when you want to register the name as trademark. As per the trademark and merchandise act of 1958, it is stated that a mark can be refused if one choose a personal name or surname. Though, there is no such clear specification in the act, people have consumed that surnames can be registered as trademarks. It may be a good to claim registration over someone that is common to others. Trademark is about finding a unique name relevant to the service or product of your service. This shall help the identifier to find your product easily from the rest in the market. So, using a surname as a trademark may not be a good option to try.

It is known that a surname can be considered as trademark only when it is connected with business by means of advertising and others. Though, you get a right to use a surname registered and use it for purpose of trade, there is no point in using one that is someone else may also pick. As starting a business in the name of surname is not common these days in India, number of businesses of same category and the plural use of the surname has also increased. Owing to this, it creates confusion in the market and one fail to exercise exclusive rights relating to the mark.

Important things to know about trademarking surnames

A particular surname word may not be suitable for registration unless it has any feature of distinctiveness. This is mainly done to bring in some differentiation among the goods of different proprietors with the same trademark surname.

In case the surname chosen for registration shows a better meaning for the trademark, it may be worthy of registration even when it does not have any distinctiveness. However, in such cases, the protection of registered surname may be challenging. To be one the safe side, it is to avoid getting a surname registered even when it has relevance with goods or service of the brand. If you are planning to choose a surname as business trademark, there are myths related to its registration. It is better to check for the existence of the trademark before you finally make up your mind to use it for your business.

Courts’ opinion regarding trademarks and surname

As per courts opinion, a surname has ordinary significance and the word does not have much significance other than just being a surname. If the surname has other meaning with it, there is high chance of the surname to register it. This is useful for your business and it shall help to get a distinctiveness of the chosen surname when used as a trademark for the business. You need to research well to know which surname word will be suitable and distinct to be used for your business.

However, trademarking and registering a surname is not a good idea if you are looking something exclusive rights to exercise for your business.

Trending Blogs

Pharma Companies File 15% of Patents in India

The Indian Pharma industry is primarily known for its Generic Drugs. But recently, to push its value higher in the market, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is investing more in research and development of new drugs along with increasing the potency of the existing ones to move up the value chain. From 2013-2015, out of the […]

An Overview of Copyright

WIPO defines copyright as the right of creators to ownership of their creations and to make use for commercial or other purposes. Copyright today covers literary creations, printed material, computer programs, data, audiovisual media, dance, paintings and drawings, photographs, sculpture, architecture, ad material, technical drawings and others that are the outcome of intellectual effort. From […]

Early-Stage Intellectual Property to Raise More Money

What is Artificial Intelligence? Creation of innovative ideas is what matters the most in running a business. People were least bothered to patent the designs. But with increasing use of almost similar ideas in the businesses, it is of great importance to patent the ideas. This shall help in better growth of the business and […]

Well Known Trademark And Indian Law

What is well-known trademark? As per new Trade Mark Rules 2017, a new procedure has been created that allows the Registrar to proclaim a particular trademark as “well known”. Section 2(1)(zg) Of The Trademark Act, 1999 states that well- known trademark is a mark which has become well known to the section of the public […]

India dropped to 40th position in International Intellectual Property Index

India has fallen to 40th position in the International Intellectual Property Index. This index helps know about the IP climate in the 53 global economies of the present year. This is as per the report US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center. As per last year’s report, India has been ranked in the 36th […]

PTAB Should Not Disapprove Claims on the Grounds of Indefiniteness in IPR

Federal Circuit has disapproved of arguments of claims that show any reason other than anticipation pertaining to party procedures. Federal Circuit has rejected the challenge shown by Samsung Electronics America, Inc. The company challenged that PTAB can disapprove claims that are considered indefinite in IPR. Samsung has been charged on the grounds of infringing U.S. […]

Domain Name Disputes in India

Domain Name As Trademarks A domain name which is unique, capable of identifying itself and distinguishing its goods and services from those of others and acts as a reliable source identifier of concerned goods and services on the internet may be registered as a trademark. Domain Name Disputes A domain name dispute would arise when […]

Fluid Trademarks

Fluid mark is often thought of as a conventional mark which can be converted to a living form with some specific representation. In other words, fluid trademark is a modern method of branding that shall help achieve success easily in this digital era. As per the name, the mark tends to change with time. This […]

Drug Patents and Generic Pharmaceutical Drugs

When a drug is manufactured and released to the market in the initial period, it is sold under a certain brand names and can only be availed from a pharmacy after being prescribed by the doctor. The patent of the drug is owned by a few brands who are the only eligible brands to manufacture […]

Can Religious Symbols Be Registered As Trademarks?

Are you planning to register religious symbols as trademarks? Well, you should research thoroughly to understand the use of religious symbols as trademarks. You have to consider the sentiments of people before you plan to use regions symbol for your business. India being a secular country encourages different citizen follows different religions, practicing it and […]