By: World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)

While the definition may vary from one country to the other, collective marks are usually defined as signs which distinguish the geographical origin, material, mode of manufacture, quality or other common characteristics of goods or services of different enterprises using the collective mark. The owner may be either an association of which those enterprises are members or any other entity, including a public institution or a cooperative. Most countries require that an application for a collective mark be accompanied by a copy of the regulations which govern the use of the collective mark and do not allow for the licensing of a collective mark. Like trade/service marks, collective marks are also maintained upon payment of renewal fees.