Harmonization of the protections afforded intellectual property rights worldwide has been an elusive goal for intellectual property owners in this continually shrinking world of interdependent markets. However, through various treaties and mechanisms discussed herein, a modicum of harmonization of intellectual property rights has been achieved in certain areas, but much less so in others. Further harmonization continues with at least some effect of giving intellectual property owners and users, a greater sense of security, control and certainty.

This article discusses trademarks from the earliest types of marks to modern day practice which involves marks of international renown and provides an overview of the varied trademark law principles and approaches used to establish and protect often highly valuable trademark rights. Related areas of intellectual property law, such as copyright and geographical indications are also briefly referenced herein, with a particular emphasis on the domain name system, the development and attempted harmonization thereof providing significant challenges, both familiar and unfamiliar. Taken together, trademark and other fields of intellectual property law must be understood thoroughly and utilized properly to prosper in the modern commercial world.