10 Weird Trademarks That Actually Got Registered

Weird trademarks registered around the world show that a brand can be more than a name or logo. In Nepal, the Department of Industry (DoI) applies the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965, but unusual marks still need distinctiveness, a clear representation and a proper application. A typical registration takes about 12–14 months.

Key Takeaways

Unusual marks can identify a business, but Nepal’s DoI still applies the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965, NICE classification rules and ordinary refusal grounds before issuing a registration certificate.

• A trademark may be a word, symbol, picture or combination used to distinguish one business’s goods or services.
• Sounds, product shapes, colours, scents and motion sequences are examples of non-traditional marks, but Nepal has not created a separate category for them.
• Nepal is first-to-file: the earliest valid application can secure priority, even if another trader used the sign earlier.
• Every mark needs a NICE class. Nepal requires a separate application for each class.
• Distinctiveness is the main practical hurdle. A feature that merely describes a product may not identify its source.
• Publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin starts the trademark opposition period, which is treated in current practice as 90 days.
• Search the existing Nepal register before investing in packaging, signage, advertising or a nationwide launch.

What are weird trademarks registered around the world?

Weird trademarks registered internationally use unusual sensory or visual features as source identifiers. A strange trademark is not protected merely because it looks amusing; it must tell consumers whose goods or services they are buying. The examples below are global trademark examples, not claims that the same marks are registered in Nepal.

The word “weird” is informal. Lawyers often use non-traditional mark for a sign outside the familiar wordmark, logo or slogan. That can include a sound, colour, three-dimensional shape, position, movement or scent.

Some examples became distinctive after years of advertising and consistent use. Others are inherently unusual, so consumers are less likely to treat them as ordinary product descriptions. Either way, registration depends on the law and practice of the relevant country.

Which 10 strange trademarks became registered marks?

Ten widely reported examples include the Nokia ringtone, Toblerone’s triangular bar shape, Play-Doh’s scent, Tiffany Blue, Lamborghini’s scissor-door motion, THOIP, Louboutin’s red sole, MGM’s lion roar, Coca-Cola’s contour bottle and Fiskars’ orange handles. Each illustrates how a feature can act as a brand sign.

1. The Nokia ringtone: a short musical sequence associated with Nokia phones, showing how repeated exposure can make sound function like a wordmark.
2. The Toblerone bar shape: its distinctive triangular prism and peaks demonstrate how packaging or product form may become a source sign.
3. The Play-Doh scent: Hasbro obtained protection for the modelling compound’s distinctive scent, an unusual example of a scent mark.
4. Tiffany Blue: the recognised colour used for particular jewellery packaging shows that a colour may gain strong source association.
5. Lamborghini’s scissor-door motion: the upward movement of the car door illustrates a motion mark rather than a static logo.
6. “THOIP”: this unusual letter string shows that a meaningless or invented word can be highly distinctive for the goods or services listed.
7. Christian Louboutin’s red sole: the red colour is claimed in a particular position on a high-heeled shoe, not as every use of red.
8. The MGM lion roar: the opening sound associated with MGM films is a classic example of an audio source identifier.
9. The Coca-Cola contour bottle: the curved bottle silhouette can identify the business even where the script logo is not visible.
10. Fiskars’ orange scissor handles: a consistent colour on a product can become distinctive when consumers connect it with one manufacturer.

These examples do not mean that every unusual feature deserves exclusive rights. A common bottle shape, ordinary orange colour or functional door mechanism may remain free for competitors to use. The protected claim is usually narrow and tied to stated goods, services, placement, colour specification or presentation.

Can you register a non-traditional mark in Nepal?

Nepal’s Act defines a trademark as a word, symbol or picture, or a combination used by a firm, company or individual to distinguish goods or services. It does not create a separate non-traditional register, so the DoI may require a practical representation and evidence that the sign truly distinguishes the applicant’s business.

That answer needs care. The current statutory wording does not expressly confirm a standalone registration route for every sound, scent, motion or colour mark. A sound may be difficult to describe through ordinary paper specimens. A scent may be harder still because a written description does not reproduce the smell objectively.

A three-dimensional shape can often be shown through drawings, photographs or multiple views, but those materials must make the claimed form clear. A colour claim needs a precise description and a defined use. A motion claim needs a sequence that communicates the movement.

The DoI is most familiar with ordinary word and logo applications. An unconventional filing may therefore raise questions about representation, scope, distinctiveness and conflict. You should not assume that a global registration creates automatic protection in Nepal.

What does the Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965 require?

The Patent, Design and Trademark Act 1965 gives the Department of Industry authority to examine and register trademarks. Under Sec. 2(c), the statutory definition covers words, symbols, pictures and combinations used to distinguish goods or services; Sec. 18 and related provisions govern registration and refusal.

The DoI must refuse a mark that harms a person’s or institution’s prestige, affects public conduct or morality, harms the national interest, damages another trademark’s goodwill or is already registered in another person’s name. A funny or shocking idea does not bypass those limits.

Nepal’s system is first-to-file. In practical terms, the first applicant with a valid, complete filing has a strong priority advantage. Prior use, reputation and evidence may still matter in a dispute, but waiting to build popularity before filing can expose your brand.

After examination, an accepted application is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin. A third party may oppose it during the 90-day opposition window used in current filing practice. If the matter remains clear, the DoI completes registration and issues the certificate.

The official Nepal Law Commission legal materials are useful for checking the statutory framework. The Department of Industry remains the relevant registry and administrative authority for Nepal trademark filings.

Which NICE classes apply to a strange trademark?

A strange trademark does not receive its own NICE class. Nepal uses the 45-class NICE Classification: Classes 1–34 cover goods and Classes 35–45 cover services. One application covers one class, so a brand used for products and services usually needs separate filings for each relevant class.

For example, a hypothetical Kathmandu café called “Cloud Momo” might use a distinctive chime, a turquoise cup and an unusual dumpling box. The chime does not replace the class. Restaurant services may point to Class 43, while packaged food or retail activity may require other classes.

Check the precise goods and services rather than choosing a class by instinct. IP Sewa’s NICE class finder can help you prepare a starting point, but the final specification should match your real business plans.

How do you register an unusual trademark in Nepal?

You register an unusual trademark through the DoI’s standard sequence: search, class selection, application, examination, Industrial Property Bulletin publication, opposition and certificate. The applicant must explain the mark clearly and provide suitable specimens or representations; a non-traditional sign may also need evidence of acquired distinctiveness.

1. Search first. Look for identical and confusingly similar marks, including words that describe the sound, colour, shape or product. Search the Nepal trademark database, not only Google.
2. Define the claim. State exactly what you want protected. A red sole in a stated position is narrower than every use of red on footwear.
3. Select the NICE class. List the goods or services accurately. File separately for each class because one Nepal application does not cover several classes.
4. Prepare the representation. Provide the label, drawings, photographs or other material the DoI can examine. Do not rely on a vague description such as “a pleasant smell.”
5. File the application. The application goes to the Department of Industry with the required specimens and supporting papers. A foreign applicant files through a Nepal-based agent or representative.
6. Answer examination questions. The DoI may raise similarity, distinctiveness or documentation issues. Respond carefully; changing the claimed mark can change the scope of protection.
7. Follow publication. If accepted, the mark appears in the Industrial Property Bulletin. Third parties may oppose within the applicable 90-day trademark period.
8. Obtain the certificate. If no opposition blocks the application, the DoI completes registration and issues the registration certificate.

What documents does an unusual trademark application need?

A Nepal trademark application generally needs the prescribed form, mark label or representation, notarised Power of Attorney, company board resolution, industry certificate and latest tax clearance for a domestic applicant. Foreign applicants also provide home-registration material where applicable and file through a Nepal-based representative.

The exact evidence depends on the mark. A logo needs a clear label. A product shape needs consistent views. A sound may need an objective recording or notation accepted by the DoI. A colour claim should identify its use and limits. Keep dated advertising, sales material, packaging and consumer-facing evidence if you rely on prior recognition.

Foreign businesses should plan early. Nepal is not part of the Madrid System, so an international trademark registration does not automatically cover Nepal. Direct national filing is required, although a qualifying Paris Convention priority claim may be available.

How long does unusual trademark registration take in Nepal?

Unusual trademark registration in Nepal typically takes about 12–14 months from filing to certificate when the application is unopposed. A smooth, straightforward case may finish in roughly 6–8 months, but unusual representations, examiner questions, document defects or opposition can extend the timetable.

What does an unusual trademark cost in Nepal?

The total cost depends on the number of NICE classes, government charges, professional work, document certification, representation and any examination or opposition work. Each additional class normally requires its own application. Use the current trademark fee calculator for government-cost guidance, then ask for a case-specific quote.

A simple wordmark is usually easier to describe than a sound, scent or motion mark. Unusual filings may require more preparation, evidence and correspondence. Filing a cheap but unclear claim can cost more later if you must amend it or defend a refusal.

What mistakes commonly hurt unusual trademark applications?

Applicants often confuse novelty with trademark distinctiveness. The DoI asks whether the sign distinguishes your business, not whether it seems unusual. Other frequent mistakes include filing in the wrong class, claiming functional product features, ignoring similar marks, using inconsistent representations and assuming overseas registration protects Nepal.

• Claiming function: trademark law should not become a shortcut for controlling a useful product shape or ordinary packaging feature.
• Filing too late: first-to-file rules make an early, complete application strategically valuable.
• Using the wrong class: registration protects the listed goods or services, not every future business idea.
• Overclaiming colour: describe the colour and position carefully instead of seeking a monopoly over a basic colour everywhere.
• Ignoring use: a registered mark may face cancellation if it is not put into use within one year of registration.
• Missing renewal: trademark protection lasts seven years and is renewable. Diarise the renewal window rather than treating the certificate as permanent.

What are the alternatives if the unusual mark is difficult?

If the DoI cannot accept the unusual feature alone, combine it with a distinctive wordmark or logo. You can also protect the product appearance through industrial design registration where the legal requirements fit. A confidential sound file may need contractual protection, while copying a registered mark may support enforcement action.

These rights do different jobs. A trademark identifies commercial source. An industrial design protects qualifying visual appearance. Copyright may apply to some creative work under separate law, but it is not a substitute for trademark clearance. Business-name registration with the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) also does not create trademark rights.

For an existing conflict, act quickly. The trademark opposition route concerns the Bulletin publication period; infringement or passing-off concerns may require a separate assessment. IP Sewa’s trademark opposition and enforcement team can help assess the available response. We do not promise an automated alert product.

For filing strategy, our team can help with a trademark search, class selection, representation, DoI filing and later renewal. This article is general information, not legal advice. Your evidence, mark and goods or services determine the proper approach.

In short, what should you do with a strange trademark idea?

Start with a clearance search, define the exact sign, choose the right NICE class and file before launch. Global trademark examples prove that unusual signs can identify a business, but Nepal’s DoI still applies the Act’s distinctiveness, conflict, morality and representation requirements.

• Search existing marks before public launch.
• Do not assume a foreign registration covers Nepal.
• Use a narrow, clear claim for shape, colour, sound or motion.
• Keep evidence showing how consumers encounter the sign.
• Track publication, opposition and the seven-year renewal term.

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Have a strange brand idea? Start with the Nepal trademark database search, review the available filing support through trademark registration services, and contact our team for advice on your mark, class and documents.