varemærket

Varemærket, often translated as trademark, is a sign which distinguishes the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. In Denmark, as in many other countries, a varemærke can consist of words, including personal names, designs, letters, numerals, the shape of goods or their packaging, or combinations of these elements. The primary purpose of a varemærke is to indicate the commercial origin of products or services, allowing consumers to identify and trust a particular brand.

Registration of a varemærke provides exclusive rights to the owner within the designated territory, typically Denmark and the European Union through the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This exclusive right prevents others from using identical or similar marks for identical or similar goods or services, thereby avoiding customer confusion. Unregistered varemærker can also acquire protection through use, though this protection is generally more limited and harder to enforce. The Danish Patent and Trademark Office (Patent- og Varemærkestyrelsen) is responsible for the registration and administration of varemærker in Denmark. The duration of a varemærke registration is typically ten years, after which it can be renewed indefinitely, provided the mark continues to be used.