Trade marks and designs
Trade marks are used by most industries in Europe. Trademark-intensive industries contribute directly for 21.7% of European jobs and 37.3% of the EU GDP. Design-intensive industries also contribute directly for 14.2% of employment and 16.2% of GDP in the EU. (Source: EUIPO/EPO)
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Trade marks and designs particularly are important tools for companies in the innovation process. Trade marks are used to bring products to the market. Consumers will associate a product’s quality with a trade mark. In addition, designs are used to shape a product or a service in such a way as to define what is desirable for the consumer and distinguish it from competitors.
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