Combined trade marks in Australia
A combined trade mark protects a name and logo together as one mark. It can be useful, but it is usually narrower than filing the word and logo separately.
What is a combined trade mark?
A combined trade mark, sometimes called a composite mark, includes both words and visual elements in one application. This is common where a logo includes the brand name as part of the design.
The registration protects the mark as a whole. That can be useful, but it may not give the same flexibility as a separate word mark and logo mark.
Examples
- A brand name written in distinctive lettering with an icon above it
- A badge, label, or packaging lockup that always appears as one unit
- A logo where the words are descriptive on their own but the whole visual mark is distinctive
When to use a combined trade mark
The name and logo are always used together
If the market recognises the full lockup as the brand, a combined mark can reflect the way the mark is actually used.
The words may be weak on their own
A distinctive logo can sometimes help a mark proceed where the words alone are descriptive. The trade-off is that protection may focus on the overall combination.
Budget only allows one filing
A combined filing can be a practical compromise, but it should be chosen deliberately. If the words are distinctive, a word mark is often more flexible.
How to register a combined trade mark
Choose the exact lockup
Pick the version of the combined mark that best reflects how you use the brand in trade. Avoid filing a version that only exists in a brand guideline document.
Assess the word and logo separately
We check whether the words are registrable on their own and whether the visual elements add meaningful protection. This helps decide whether separate filings are worth it.
Select the classes
The application needs to cover the goods and services where the combined mark is used. Class selection matters just as much as it does for a word mark.
File and manage examination
IP Australia examines the mark as a whole, while still considering whether parts of it are descriptive, common, or too similar to earlier marks.
Common pitfalls
Thinking the words are fully protected
A combined mark does not always give the same protection as a separate word mark. If the words are important, consider filing them separately.
Using the logo inconsistently
If your filed mark shows a specific layout but you use several materially different layouts in trade, the registration may be less useful.
Choosing a compromise that does not match use
A trade mark should reflect real use. A combined mark made purely for filing may not support your commercial enforcement goals.
Missing future rebrand risk
If you later update the logo but keep the name, a separate word mark will usually be more durable than the old combined mark.
Cost and timeline
Filing a combined trade mark costs the same as any standard trade mark application. Our online filing tool starts from $799 for one class, including government fees and GST, with additional classes at $689 each. For complex situations, our lawyer-led service provides a fixed-fee quote. The process typically takes 7 to 8 months from filing to registration if no objections or oppositions arise.
See pricing and what's includedFrequently asked questions
What is a combined trade mark?
Is a combined mark the same as a logo mark?
Should I file a combined mark or separate word and logo marks?
How much does it cost to register a combined mark?
What happens if I change my logo?
Ready to protect your combined mark?
Register your trade mark online in minutes with fixed-fee pricing, or speak to one of our specialists.