A collective membership mark is any word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination thereof which indicates that the user of the mark is a member of a particular organization. The owner of the mark exercises control over the use of the mark; however, because the sole purpose of a membership mark is to indicate membership, use of the mark is by members. Unlike trademarks and service marks, which identify the source of the goods/services, collective marks inform the public that an individual is a member of the group.
Examples:
- The mark CPA to demonstrate that an individual is a member of the Society of Certified Public Accountants.
- The REALTOR mark to identify members for real estate sales services
