A trademark (TM) is normally registered by businesses or individuals to secure the company and their respective brands on a local and/or European Union level, depending on what type of trademark one opts for.
The Malta Trademarks Act 2000 identifies that a “trademark may, in particular, consist of words (including personal names), figurative element, letters, numerals or the shape of good of their packaging”. Since Malta is an EU member state, local businesses can also opt for a trademark protection that covers the brand identity on an EU level in 27 countries, referred to as European Union Trade Mark (EUTM).
By trademarking a company name or a brand name, businesses will ensure peace of mind that no competitor will copy or steal elements from their brand as everything will be protected by law. Some also opt to trademark the company’s tagline too, being another valuable asset of a business.
At Sciberras Advocates, our lawyers can assist in all services related to trademarking such as submitting applications for a new trademark and their renewals, litigation, arbitration or negotiation of legal rights as well as TM portfolio planning and restructuring, as needs be.