Distinguishing “Trademark”, “Brand”, and “Logo” – Understand Correctly to Protect Properly
In today’s highly competitive economy, building and protecting intellectual property (IP) is not only a necessity but also a vital element for any business’s survival. However, many companies still confuse the concepts of “trademark”, “brand”, and “logo”, leading to mistakes in their intellectual property protection strategies. So, what are the differences among these three terms, and how can businesses effectively protect their assets?
Understanding the Concepts of “Trademark”, “Brand”, and “Logo”
Many people use these three terms interchangeably, but in reality, they have very different meanings and legal values. Understanding each concept helps businesses establish the right approach to IP registration and management.
1. Trademark – A Legally Protected Asset
According to Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Law, a trademark is a sign used to distinguish the goods or services of one organization or individual from another. A trademark may consist of words, images, colors, or a combination thereof.
For example: “Vinamilk” for milk products or “Honda” for motorbikes — these are trademarks. Once registered with the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP), the owner gains exclusive rights to use and prevent unauthorized copying or imitation.
The key point: a trademark is a legal asset, recognized and protected by the State. Without registration, even long-term use does not prevent others from registering first and taking ownership of your mark.
2. Brand – The Intangible Value Recognized by the Market
Unlike trademarks, a brand represents an emotional and economic concept — the reputation, image, and trust consumers associate with a company or product. A brand is not legally protected but is built through consistent operations, marketing, and credibility.
For instance, “Apple” is not only a registered trademark but also a global brand symbolizing innovation and excellence. Simply put: a trademark is the body, while the brand is the soul of a business.
A company can build its brand through customer experience, communication, and quality maintenance — but it can only protect its brand by registering a trademark.
3. Logo – The Visual Identity
A logo is a graphic symbol representing a brand or trademark. It may be an image, a stylized word, or a design created to enhance brand recognition.
Example: Nike’s simple check mark logo has become a global symbol. Legally, a logo can be registered as a figurative trademark to gain IP protection.
Thus, a logo is a component of a trademark, and if it is not registered, others can imitate or modify it for similar products, making infringement difficult to address.
Why Understanding Correctly Matters for Proper Protection
Misunderstanding these terms may lead to significant legal risks, especially for businesses developing their brands.
1. Risks of Not Registering a Trademark
Many businesses believe strong marketing automatically secures ownership. However, without registration, they have no legal standing in disputes.
There have been many cases where businesses lost their brands because others registered first — particularly during international expansion. Lawsuits or cancellation requests are costly, time-consuming, and often unsuccessful.
2. Benefits of Registering Trademarks and Logos
When businesses register their trademark and logo, they:
Gain exclusive ownership recognized by law
Obtain a legal foundation to act against infringement
Increase commercial value in M&A or franchising deals
Build trust with customers, partners, and investors
3. Brand Protection as a Long-term Strategy
Protection is not a one-time act but a continuous process. Businesses should update and expand registrations when launching new products, entering new markets, or changing brand identities.
This is where professional IP legal consultancy becomes crucial. An experienced trademark lawyer can assess registrability, conduct similarity searches, and develop a comprehensive IP strategy that saves time, costs, and protects legal rights.
DEDICA – Your Trusted Partner in Intellectual Property Protection
With a team of experienced lawyers specializing in trademark, copyright, and intellectual property registration, DEDICA Law Firm has successfully assisted hundreds of domestic and international clients in securing their IP rights.
We don’t just handle the paperwork – we develop protection strategies tailored to each stage of business growth, helping you minimize legal risks and maximize brand value.
If you are building or expanding your brand, start with the first step: register your trademark today. It’s not only a legal obligation but a commitment to protecting your business’s reputation and intellectual assets.
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012
🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
🌐 Website: www.dedica.vn
📩 Email: contact@dedica.vn
