Is your association interested in registering a collective mark?

An association may give its members exclusive rights to use a trademark or other symbol for their goods and/or services. Such associations could be for example an association of painters, doctors, horse trainers, etc.

Government bodies, foundations, companies and such like, which carry out periodic inspection of goods and services may also register a collective mark, as may bodies which set standards for goods and services.
The mark may be used on goods to which the standard applies, for example an environmental mark, control mark, etc.

The rules applying to the registration of trademarks also apply to the registration of collective marks, with one exception:
The registration of a collective mark must always include certain rules or regulations for use of the mark. 

Regulations for the use of collective marks

These regulations should be brief, but state:

• who has a right to use the mark and on what terms 
• what the consequences will be for incorrect or irregular use, for example if the mark is used by someone who has no right to use it or if it is misused 
• the mark holder's rights and obligation vis-à-vis users, and also the possible right to inspection by designated monitoring authorities, for example whether or not the holder should have the right to check whether the user's goods comply with established quality requirements 
• the holder's obligation to be accountable for anyone using the mark without complying with the regulations for use of the mark 
• whether the holder should be obliged for example to sue anyone misusing the mark for damages. 

How much does it cost to apply for a collective mark?

Charges consist of a basic fee of NOK 3700 giving protection for 10 years for up to three classes. If you wish to register your collective mark for more than three classes, the fee is NOK 1500 per class.
More information on fees.

For more details on registration and the advantages of collective mark protection, see the information pages concerning trademarks.