Sound Marks : Everything you should need to know about
When you hear the iconic MGM lion’s roar or the familiar Intel chime , you instantly recognize these brands, often without even seeing their logos. These are examples of sound marks – trademarks composed solely of sounds that uniquely identify the commercial origin of a product or service. In a market dominated by visual symbols, sound marks allow brands to stand out audibly. Here’s a closer look at what sound marks are, how they’re protected, and some well-known examples. What is a Sound Mark ? A sound mark is a type of trademark that identifies a brand through a unique auditory signal rather than a visual symbol or logo. For it to be registrable, the sound must be distinctive and directly associated with the brand’s goods or services. In other words, consumers should be able to hear the sound and immediately connect it to a specific company or product. Sound marks can be used in a variety of formats, such as: - Short musical jingles - Specific sounds (e.g., a roaring lion or the sou...