5. Trademarks

Trademarks are pictures, words or symbols that identify goods or services. Examples could include logos, labels, marketing mascots, banners, catch lines or emblems. For example, a well-known trademark is the McDonald's sign.

Unlike copyright, a trademark must be registered for it to be protected. Trademarks are protected by the Commonwealth Trade Marks Act 1995. If an incorporated association has a particular sign or mark that identifies it and that is known to, and recognised by, the public, it is worthwhile protecting its use by registering it as a trademark. Copying a registered trademark can breach the trademark owner's rights and should be avoided.