Trade marks: complementary to patents

The way in which trade marks can reinforce the protection provided to patented goods, and in a sense prolong the protection originally provided by the patents, hence contributing to the financial return obtained on the patented inventions, is explained. The synergism between the patent and the trade mark protection which helps to establish the trade marks, and to create a relationship of trust between the producer and the consumer is explored. Also mentioned are some of the benefits offered by trade mark information in providing commercial insights to complement the information obtained from patents, together with an outline of the different ways in which trade marks can be registered in Europe.