What is a renowned trade mark?
In certain cases, long-term and widespread use of a trade mark may lead to it becoming universally renowned, which gives it special protection. Trademarks are usually protected within designated classes. This means that a trade mark protected within the class of computer games, for example, may be used by a producer of dummies for babies. However, in the case of trademarks which have become renowned, protection is extended over other classes of goods and services than the one in which the trade mark was originally registered. This means that, for example, the Coca-Cola trade mark may not be used for car tyres or air-conditioners as such products would likely benefit from Coca-Cola’s renowned trade mark.
