“声音商标”的功能性分析

Functional Analysis of Sound Trademark

根据将于2014年5月1日起实施的新《商标法》第八条之规定,"声音"也可作为商标向国务院工商行政管理局申请注册。根据"功能原则",可以将产品分解为功能性部分与非功能性部分,由于非功能性部分对产品的品质和效用等不会产生实质性的影响,因而我们可将声音商标纳入合理使用的范围。

According to Article 8 of the new Trademark Law which will be implemented from May, 1st, 2014, sound can be applied for registration under the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. Based on the Functional Principle, product has 2 parts: functional part and non-functional part. Since non-functional part cannot have a real impact on quality and utility of product, sound trademark can be used reasonably in order to balance interest conflict between trademark owner and the public.