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ARTICLE · 16 JULY 2025

Using Names As Trademarks

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Even though Gucci, Ford, Versace, Chanel, Pagani, Ferrari, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Koenigsegg, and other well-known companies and trademarks are globally recognized...

IndiaIntellectual Property
Jyoti Lakhoria
Jyoti Lakhoria
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INTRODUCTION

Even though Gucci, Ford, Versace, Chanel, Pagani, Ferrari, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Koenigsegg, and other well-known companies and trademarks are globally recognized, many people may not realize that they are all real names!

As a result, names are also useful business assets. When attempting to obtain legal protection for one's name, particularly through trademarks, things might become a little hazy.

NAMES AS TRADEMARKS

Previously, trademark registrations of personal names or surnames were expressly prohibited by Section 9(d) of the Trademark and Merchandise Act, 1958 (since abolished). Nevertheless, no such restriction is included in the current Trademark Act of 1999. In actuality, Section 2 of the Trademarks Act of 1999 has the following clauses.

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