Collective and certification trade marks
What collective and certification trade marks are and when they apply.
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There are certain marks that do not have the same function as an ordinary trade mark. These area called certification or collective marks.
Certification marks
A certification mark is a specific type of trade mark. They provide a guarantee that the goods or services bearing the mark meet a certain defined standard or possess a particular characteristic.
The owner of the mark will define those standards or characteristics.
Such marks are usually registered in the name of trade associations, government departments, technical institutes or similar bodies.
Collective marks
A collective mark is a specific type of trade mark which indicates that the goods or services bearing the mark originate from members of a trade association, rather than just one trader.