Apart from trademarks, there are three other categories of trademarks in Taiwan: Certification Marks, Collective Trademarks and Collective Membership Marks.

CERTIFICATION MARKS

A certification mark shows that goods, services, or their providers have met certain standards and is used to distinguish the goods or services certified by the proprietor of the mark from other non-certified goods or services. The certification may involve a specific feature, such as place of origin, material and manufacture of goods, quality of services, or a combination of features.

Only a juridical person that is competent to certify another person’s goods or services can apply for registration of a certification mark, and the trademark holder (certifying organisation) does not use the certification mark on with the goods/services. The certifying organisation will allow the goods/services providers to use the certification mark if they comply with the standards defined by the owner of the certification mark (regulations governing the use of the mark).

Example: Taiwan Host Certification Mark - The Taiwan Tourism Bureau evaluates Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) and selects the ones that meet the Taiwan Host criteria for providing a comfortable lodging environment.

(Reg. No.: 01504681, Trademark Holder: Taiwan Tourism Bureau)

COLLECTIVE TRADEMARKS

A collective trademark is a sign used to distinguish the goods or services provided a juridical person (e.g. corporations, members of an association or any other groups) from the goods or services provided by non-members. Once registered, members of the group are allowed to use the collective trademark in accordance with the conditions prescribed in the regulations governing the use of such trademark.

Example: Taiwan Patent Attorneys Association Collective Trademark - The mark is used by Taiwan Patent Attorneys Association to distinguish the seminars, conferences, meetings organised by the association.

(Reg. No.: 01448147, Trademark Holder: Taiwan Patent Attorneys Association)

COLLECTIVE MEMBERSHIP MARKS

A collective membership mark is a sign used to distinguish the membership of a juridical person from that of non-members. Once registered, members of the group are allowed to use the collective membership mark to identify their membership.

Example: The General Association of the Scouts of China (Scouts of Taiwan) – Taiwan Scouts can use this mark to identify their membership of the General Association of the Scouts of China.

(Reg. No.: 01600830, Trademark Holder: The General Association of the Scouts of China)

The application and examination process for the registration of certification marks, collective trademarks and collective membership marks is similar to the trademark registration process. Also, these applications must be accompanied by a set of Regulations governing the use of the certification marks, collective trademarks or collective membership marks.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Our trademark team is experienced in all aspects of obtaining and protecting a trademark, from trademark prosecution to handling infringements, appeals and litigations before the Taiwan IP Office and the courts. We are capable to give you the most secure protection on your trademark and intellectual property rights. Contact us if you wish to find out more about IP protection.