"I don't have a logo yet — can I still register a trademark?" is a very common question. The short answer is yes. A logo is not required for trademark registration. This article explains registering without a logo — the word mark — and the differences between types of marks.
What Is a Word Mark?
A mark consisting only of a word (a name, slogan or a sequence of letters/numbers), with no special design, is called a word mark. You can register just the name of your business or product without a logo. This is the most basic — and often the strongest — form of trademark protection.
Types of Marks: Word, Figurative, Combination
- Word mark: Name/text only. Protects independently of any particular design.
- Figurative (logo) mark: The logo/image itself only.
- Combination mark: Name + logo together, protected as a specific design.
Why Does a Word Mark Provide Broader Protection?
A word mark protects the name regardless of the font, colour or design you use it with. So even if you redesign your logo later, protection of the name continues. A logo-only (combination) registration, by contrast, tends to protect that particular design — offering narrower protection against someone using the name with a different design. For that reason, registering the name as a word mark first is often the strategically advantageous approach.
The Best Strategy: Name + Logo
Ideal protection registers the name as a word mark and the prominent logo separately. If budget is limited, priority usually goes to the word mark, because it is most often the name that needs protecting. For choosing the type of mark and classification, see our Trademark Classes and How to Register a Trademark guides.
Choose the Right Type of Mark with Webx
Webx determines the right choice between word, figurative or combination marks for your business and files your application accordingly. Get a free assessment.