IP glossary
Short, clear definitions of the patent, trademark, and design terms that come up in everyday IP management. Each entry links to the Patent Cockpit feature where the term shows up in practice.
Expiry date (trademark)
The end date of a trademark registration, after which protection lapses unless the mark is renewed.
Goods and services
The specific products and services that a trademark is registered for — protection only extends to what is listed.
Maintenance fee (trademark)
The renewal fee paid each cycle (typically every ten years) to keep a registered trademark in force.
Proof of use
Evidence that a registered trademark is actually being used in the marketplace for the goods or services it covers.
Trademark
A distinctive sign — name, logo, slogan, sound, colour — that identifies the origin of goods or services and distinguishes them from competitors.
Trademark class (Nice Classification)
One of the 45 categories of goods and services used to organize trademark applications under the Nice Classification.