Trademark protection is of paramount importance to the South West Hungarian Engineering Cluster, as it guarantees the exclusive use of the organization’s logo and name. The cluster first obtained trademark protection for the word “SWHEC” and the logo in 2015, which has now been renewed after ten years. The renewal application was successful, ensuring the cluster’s distinctiveness until 2035.
Why is trademark protection important?
- It supports brand building – it strengthens the cluster’s image and reliability in the eyes of partners and businesses.
- It increases competitiveness – the trademark is a clear identifier that signals professional quality to domestic and foreign partners alike.
- It provides legal certainty – it ensures that the SWHEC name and logo are exclusively associated with the cluster, so that no other organization can misuse them.
- Value-adding factor – the trademark itself is intellectual property that can be licensed or sold, thus increasing the market value of the organization.
- Ensures long-term stability – with the current extension, the cluster will retain its uniqueness for another ten years.
A rarity
It is worth noting that not many clusters in Hungary have their own registered and extended trademark protection. The SWHEC a leader in this respect, as it strengthens its position in its ecosystem through legal protection and sets an example for other clusters.
The renewal of the trademark is an important milestone in the life of SWHEC: it simultaneously marks the achievements of the cluster over the past ten years and secures the foundations for future development.
02 Sept 2025