The Bass Red Triangle: A Trademark That Helped Start the UK Register

Photo: Shabaz Usmani / Unsplash

The Bass Pale Ale red triangle was the first trade mark filed at the UK Patent Office, in 1876. The registration is still in force, according to the UK Intellectual Property Office’s Trade Mark Guide.

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Why this IP story matters

The mark’s longevity illustrates what a trademark does: it helps consumers identify commercial source and lets a business build goodwill around a distinctive sign. Registration does not protect every use of a triangle; it covers the registered sign in relation to specified goods and is subject to renewal and other rules. Brands entering new markets should search for conflicts and file in relevant classes before investing heavily in packaging, advertising or distribution.

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Sources: UK Intellectual Property Office Trade Mark Guide