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What is a semi-figurative mark?

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

A semi-figurative mark, also known as a combined mark, consists of both a verbal element (text or name) and a graphical element (logo, icon, or stylized design) used together. Well-known examples of semi-figurative marks are Shell's yellow shell symbol alongside the word "Shell," or the Nike swoosh alongside "NIKE".

The mark is registered as a single unit; the protection applies to the combination as shown, not to either element independently. Registering only a semi-figurative mark does not give the owner standalone protection for the name (as a wordmark) or the icon (as a figurative mark).

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