1. Introduction

Certification trade marks (certification marks) denote independent certification by the owner that the goods or services in respect of which they are used possess certain defined characteristics. The Trade Marks Act 2002 (the Act) allows for the registration of a certification mark by including a certification mark within the definition of trade mark.

Section 14 of the Act provides additional provisions that relate to the registrability of certification marks.

Sections 54 to 56 of the Act set out additional matters that relate to certification marks.

Sections 79 and 80 of the Act provide for the alteration of certification mark regulations.

Regulations 57 and 58 of the Trade Mark Regulations 2003 (the Regulations) set out matters relating to applications for certification marks.