A trade mark is any sign which can distinguish the goods and services of one trader from those of another. Such a sign can include, for example, words, logos, pictures, colour, shape or a combination of these.

To be registrable a new trade mark for goods and/or services must: not be similar or identical to any earlier marks for the same or similar goods or services; be distinctive for the goods and/or services of its proprietor; and not be descriptive; not deceptive, or contrary to law or morality.

Ownership of a registered trade mark creates the right to prevent others from making unlicensed use of the registered mark.

A trade mark can be registered: in the UK, in individual foreign countries, in the European Community (single registration valid in all members of the European Union) and as an International Mark under the Madrid System (single application designating any of many countries).