The importance of trade mark registration in your business

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash 

Words by Dr Martin Douglas Hendry

Trade mark registration is an important step for any business, large or small. A trade mark is a symbol, word, or phrase that distinguishes your products or services from those of your competitors. It acts as a source identifier, letting customers know who is behind the goods or services they are purchasing.

Importance for large businesses

For large businesses, trade mark registration is especially important. Not only does it help protect your brand and reputation, but it also helps prevent confusion and misunderstandings in the marketplace.

With a registered trade mark, your business has exclusive rights to use the trade mark in connection with the goods and services it represents. This means that other businesses cannot use a similar trade mark without your permission, which can help prevent confusion among consumers and protect your business's intellectual property.

Trade mark registration also provides legal recourse if someone else uses your trade mark without your permission. If you have a registered trade mark, you can take legal action against anyone who infringes on your rights. This can help protect your business from unfair competition and safeguard your intellectual property.

Additional benefits of trade mark registration for businesses

In addition to these legal protections, trade mark registration can also provide additional benefits for your business. For example, a registered trade mark can act as a valuable asset, increasing the value of your business and potentially making it more attractive to investors. It can also make it easier to license or franchise your products or services, allowing you to expand your business and reach a wider audience.

Overall, trade mark registration is an important step for any large business. By registering your trade mark, you can protect your brand, prevent confusion in the marketplace, and take legal action against infringers. This can help safeguard your intellectual property and provide additional benefits for your business.

How do you register a trade mark for your business?

In order to register a trade mark, businesses must first conduct a trade mark search to ensure that their desired trade mark is not already in use. This can be done through the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in the UK. Once the trade mark is available for use, businesses can file a trade mark application with the IPO. The application process can take several months to complete, and it is important to carefully review the IPO's guidelines and requirements before submitting an application.

Once the trade mark is registered, businesses will need to renew it periodically in order to maintain their exclusive rights. The length of time a trade mark is valid depends on the type of trade mark and the specific goods or services it represents. In the UK, most trade marks are valid for ten years from the date of registration and can be renewed for additional ten-year periods. It is recommended that you seek legal support when registering a trade mark to ensure that both:

1. The trade mark is clear to be registered - in that other similar or identical marks do not already exist
2. The trade mark specification is prepared appropriately, ensuring that you have the best possible protection for the mark you use, and for the classes you require.

To get in touch with our team to discuss trade mark registration, click the button below.

Get in Touch

Conclusion

In conclusion, trade mark registration is an essential step for large businesses looking to protect their brand and intellectual property. A registered trade mark provides legal protection against infringement and can act as a valuable asset for your business. By conducting a trade mark search and filing an application with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in the UK, businesses can register their trade mark and gain exclusive rights to use it. It is important to carefully review the IPO's guidelines and requirements before filing an application and to renew the trade mark periodically in order to maintain these rights.

Protecting your intellectual property through trade mark registration can help safeguard your business and provide additional benefits in the long run.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK...

Take a look at our other guides that relate to this topic here.

How to appeal a copyright infringement claim

Why you should care about protecting your intellectual property

Why do we need IP?

ABOUT VIRTUOSO LEGAL?

Virtuoso Legal is a team of intellectual property specialists based in Leeds and London - operating worldwide. Virtuoso Legal's team of IP experts have successfully tried cases in the IPEC, High Court, Court of Appeals and United Kingdom Supreme Court. In addition, the team assist companies in creating, commercialising and protecting the big ideas that make their business unique. The firm and its professionals are ranked yearly in legal directories such as the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, cementing their status as a Top 2% law firm in the world.

--

​The content on this website, including FAQs and legal posts, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and specific advice should always be sought for individual circumstances. Virtuoso Legal is not responsible for any losses arising from reliance on this content. For tailored advice, please contact us at 0113 237 9900 or enquiries@virtuosolegal.com.