The first signs that marked the ownership of goods date back to the Ancient era. Artisans signed their objects to identify those they produced and to guarantee their quality. The custom was found in Egypt or Greece, and in Ancient Rome it became more frequent.
In the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, the role of brands on products becomes that of protecting the monopoly of the guilds.
Over time brands have received recognition from manufacturers and consumers. Manufacturers finding a way to protect their reputations.
In 1266, the first law protecting trademarks in Great Britain is initiated. Bakers' Law. In 1353, the trademark law guarantees the manufacturers the protection of their products against their piracy.
During the Industrial Revolution, legislation evolves, trademarks become legal property, and consumers begin to know brand names.
In 1857, the first trademark registration system for manufacturers appears in France. In the USA the first trademark registration system has been operational since 1870.
In 1876 the Trademark Registration Office is opened in London and the first trademark application is the BASS & CO Red Triangle label, now owned by Brandbrew S.A.
In 1883, the first international trademark protection treaty was signed in Paris.
Thus, registered trademarks will enjoy the same protection internationally.
Some famous brands are registered during these early trademark periods: Coca-Cola in 1887, Mercedes in 1900, and Gillette in 1908.
The name, slogan, and logo represent the verbal and visual identity of a brand. In order to be able to operate without risk in a market, the name and logo must be registered.
According to the NISA classification, there are 45 classes that organize the fields of activity within which trademarks are protected. See Nice classes
For the Romanian market
OSIM
State Office for Inventions and Trademarks
For the European Community
OHIM
Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market
For the US market
USPTO
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
