Personal names can be trademarked as long as they meet certain criteria. To be eligible for trademark protection, the name must be used in the course of trade or commerce and must be distinctive from other existing trademarks. Additionally, the name must be distinctive enough to distinguish the goods or services associated with it from those of other traders. It is also important to keep in mind that a name can be trademarked even if it is a person's name, such as John Smith. By trademarking a name, the person can protect their intellectual property and prevent others from using their name in a commercial context.
A trademark is a sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one company from those of another. In the Philippines, it is possible to obtain a trademark registration through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The trademark registration process involves filing a trademark application, conducting a search to ensure the mark is not already in use, and then waiting for approval from the IPOPHL. Once approved, the trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for another 10 years. It is important to note that the trademark registration only applies in the Philippines and does not extend to other countries.