What is a collective membership mark?

A collective membership mark is specifically designed to show that a person is a member of a particular organization or group. This type of mark indicates that the members of a collective association have the right to use the mark as an indication of their membership in that group. It's important to understand that these marks are not about individual branding or product quality; rather, they communicate belonging to a larger entity that stands for certain principles, standards, or goals.

For example, cooperative organizations, associations, and unions often employ collective membership marks. They serve as a visual representation of a member's association with the group and the benefits or reputation that come with that affiliation. This differentiates it from other types of marks, such as trademarks used by a single business for their products or services.