Device Marks are extremely important elements to protect your brand’s identity in the market and build its reputation among customers. In this blog, we will take you through every detail about a device mark, including its meaning, scope, pros, cons, and the method of its registration.
Starting your own business can become exciting in every way. Finding investors for your startup, thinking about growing and improving your firm, working with tax professionals for regular compliances and IPR experts and to register a trademark, and so on. But have you taken the time to note down key elements you might encounter throughout your business journey? If you’re seeking trademark registration for your startup, you’ve come to the right place. We will show you how a business entity acquires intellectual proprietary rights like a trademark during its course of transacting its business , which can influence and become the core strength of your business gradually.
But first, what exactly is a trademark? Trademarks are used to identify a product’s or service’s origin to its owner or creator. The Trade Mark Act, of 1999 and the Trade Mark Rules, of 2017 regulate trademark law in India. Section 2 (M) of the Trademark Act of 1999 provides a fairly broad meaning of a trademark, which is as follows: –
“MARK” INCLUDES A DEVICE, BRAND, HEADING, LABEL, TICKET, NAME, SIGNATURE, WORD, LETTER, NUMERAL, SHAPE OF GOODS, PACKAGING OR COMBINATION OF COLORS OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF.
In India, a trademark is categorized into six categories, which we shall explore in the next section. Let’s get started.
General Categories of Trademarks in India
In India, trademarks are divided into many categories such as words, device, colors, and shape of goods, sound mark and three dimensions. The business needs to file separate applications for each category of the trademark. The trademark is classified into the following categories:
Word Mark – A word mark is a single word or a combination of words, symbols, or digits. The term does not have to have a meaning. It might even be a hotchpotch of letters with or without numbers. In a nutshell, it needs to be a unique word.
Device Mark – A device mark is generally an artistic representation of a word mark . It could be any sticker, label, logo, monogram, or geometrical figure used by the business in their trade.
Color – It consists of a single color or a mix of colors, with or without a unique device mark. The application as a color mark must describe the color combination in detail.
3D Trademark – It comprises the packaging or shape or of items of certain products such as the Xbox 360 logo, whiskey bottles, and so on.
Sound – A melody that differentiates the services or products provided by a company might be trademarked. Sound marks in trade sense are extremely rare. The validity of a sound mark is determined by whether or not the sound is or has become a distinctive mark; that is, whether or not the average user hears the sound as denoting that goods or services are only identified with one business.
Shape of goods- The applicant must state on the application form that the application is for a shape trade mark.
What is Device Mark in Trademark?
A device mark, in the context of trademarks, refers to a type of trademark that consists of a specific design, logo, symbol, image, or any combination thereof, which distinguishes the goods or services of one entity from those of others. Unlike a word mark that relies on text or letters to identify a brand, a device mark relies on visual elements. Device marks can take various forms, such as stylized logos, graphic symbols, emblems, badges, or even abstract designs. These visual elements are used to create a unique and recognizable representation of a brand or product.
Device Mark Example: One example of a device mark is the iconic Apple logo, an image of a bitten apple. The logo is instantly recognizable and associated with Apple Inc. and its products. Another example is the Nike “swoosh” symbol, a simple yet distinctive design that represents the athletic brand worldwide.
Device marks play a crucial role in brand recognition, as they provide a visual representation that consumers can associate with a particular company or product. They serve as a means of distinguishing one brand from another, making it easier for consumers to identify and choose products or services that they trust or prefer.
When applying for trademark registration, device marks are typically submitted as graphic representations.
These representations can be in the form of black-and-white or color images, depending on the desired protection sought. The graphical depiction should accurately convey the visual elements of the mark, capturing the specific design, shape, colors, and any other distinctive features. It’s important to note that device marks can also be combined with word marks, creating a composite mark that includes both visual and textual elements. These are called combination marks and further strengthens the brand’s identity and provides additional protection for the overall mark.
Does Your Brand Have a Device Mark?
A device mark is a visual representation or design that may or may not include texts. Colors may or may not be used to symbolize the device mark. However, if the owner of a trademark secures trademark registration for a logo or design that includes colors, the same colors must be utilized throughout to acquire trademark protection.
When trademark owners want to register a visually striking appearance or a mix of styled language, color, form, and design, they must select device mark registration in their trademark application. By registering a device mark, third parties are prevented from using a same/similar logo or design for their products or services.
If any person uses the same/ similar device registered by a business for the same kind of products and services it will be considered as infringement of the proprietary right of the trademark owner. The trademark owner may file a case of trademark infringement against these users and could prohibit them from using its mark. Thus , a trademark registration will safeguard your trademark against infringement. Even if you experience trademark infringement, where the infringer has used your brand logo to represent their business, you can sue them for imprisonment for less than six months or three years, as well as a fine of not less than ₹50,000, which may be up to ₹2,000,000.
Pros & Cons of Device Mark Registration
People find the device mark visually pleasing and eye-catching. People are more likely to recall the design than the words associated with the goods or services. When a design or logo with distinguishing elements is used on a wide range of goods, it helps in brand recognition and the development of a company’s image and reputation.
The Apple logo 
, for example. Is generally recognized even when no brand name is linked to it. People recognize it simply because of its distinctive apple design.
, for example. Is generally recognized even when no brand name is linked to it. People recognize it simply because of its distinctive apple design.
The device mark is not flexible; which means that the mark must be used exactly as it was filed in the trademark registration application. If minor changes are made to the logo, the existing logo or the design will no longer protect it and it is suggestable to file a separate application to protect the new device. The team setindiabiz could help you to manage and protect your proprietary rights.
Another limitation of registering a device mark as a trademark is that the trademark search for a logo or design mark is more difficult than a word mark search. During registration, the owner must provide information such as a representation of the logo in jpeg format, logo’s description, font used etc.
How to Register a Device Mark as a Trademark?
Before filing a trademark application, owners of the trademark must consider whether to file for a word mark or device mark. They must select whether to register simply the brand name or the brand logo or to register both the brand name and the trademark logo. A word mark gives exclusive rights to the registered trademark owner to use the mark for their goods and services whereas the device mark gives limited protection as to the artistic representation of the logo or device.
Rather than just a logo, a company’s brand name usually includes both words and a logo. To achieve the best protection for their firm, business owners should apply for separate trademark registration for words and logos.
It is of utmost importance to recognize your trademark in business and take necessary steps to secure it. So that, if required, you could take legal action against an unscrupulous businessman to safeguard your trademark in the future. Thus, the trade name of a business, the name of its product or service, device/logo, punch line, slogan through which business markets and promotes their product becomes its identity and must be protected by getting it registered with the Trademark Registry. Team Setindiabiz could help you to file a trademark application, trademark renewal, reply to the examination report, third party opposition , and prohibit illegal use of your trademark by others. Feel free to chat with us.
FAQs
Q1: How can I ensure the distinctiveness of my device mark?
To ensure the distinctiveness of a device mark, it’s crucial to create a design that is unique and not commonly used in the industry or with similar products/services. Conduct a comprehensive trademark search using the services of a Trademark Attorney to check for existing marks that might be similar to your device mark.
Q2: Can I register a device mark that includes generic or descriptive elements?
No, using generic or descriptive elements is not recommended when you create a device mark as they may lack distinctiveness. However, if you can incorporate unique design into these elements, it may still work. We recommend consulting a Trademark Attorney who can guide you appropriately on the same.
Q3: How can I protect my device mark from infringement?
To protect your device mark from infringement, it’s essential to register it with the relevant trademark registry office in your jurisdiction. This will grant you the exclusive rights to use the mark in connection with specific goods or services, and prevent any unauthorized use by taking appropriate legal action.