A draft amendment to the Trademark Act that broadens the scope of trademarkable items passed initial review at the Legislative Yuan May 9.
Under the amendment, anything serving to identify a product or service, including shapes, colors and nontraditional forms would be eligible for trademark protection, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Intellectual Property Office.
“Holograms, motion marks used on mobile phone screens and forgery-proof marks can all be trademarked,” said Wang Mei-hua, director-general of the office.
Smells are not included as most countries have not yet formulated relevant standards, Wang said, adding that her office will map out review regulations to handle any such trademark applications in the future.
The proposed revision also stipulates that the sale of counterfeit goods online or via electronic media constitutes a trademark violation, Wang pointed out. (SB)