According to the economist Hernando de Soto Polar, not just trademarks but all property is like that unless you have a formal ownership system which is defended

According to the economist Hernando de Soto Polar, not just trademarks but all property is like that unless you have a formal ownership system which is defended by the legal system. If people can't rely on the legal system to defend their property, as sometimes happens in third world countries, they have to spend significant effort cultivating their neighbours - if your neighbours think you are a worthless arsehole, you might find that someone else has moved onto your farm and your no-one will do anything about it. But if your neighbours like you, they will fight alongside you for your rights over it.