At Jami Q’s we registered our trademark way back in 2009, at the time we did not think too much about it, however many years later it allowed us to prevent a company that was posing as ourselves on a “.com” website where our address was a “.co.uk” website. If you use logo or distinctive name, it is always wise to protect a vital business asset and whilst it takes a little time it can be well worth the effort.
The following gives you an explanation of the term and guidance as to how to go about registering your trading name & logo.
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one trader from those of others.
Trademarks are important for businesses because they can help to:
- Build brand awareness and recognition.
- Prevent competitors from using similar marks.
- Protect against trademark infringement.
- Enforce your rights against counterfeiters.
If you are thinking about registering a trademark in the UK, there are a few things you need to do.
- Choose a trademark.
The first step is to choose a trademark that is distinctive and memorable. It should be something that your customers will easily recognize and associate with your business.
- Conduct a trademark search.
Once you have chosen a trademark, you need to conduct a trademark search to make sure that it is available for registration. You can do this by searching the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) trademark database.
- File an application.
Once you have conducted a trademark search and confirmed that your trademark is available, you can file an application with the UKIPO. You can do this online or by post.
- Register your trademark.
If your trademark application is successful, it will be registered with the UKIPO. This will give you the exclusive right to use the trademark in the UK for the goods or services that you have specified in your application.
The cost of registering a trademark in the UK varies depending on the number of classes of goods or services that you are applying for. For example, the cost of registering a trademark for a single class of goods or services is £170.
It is important to note that trademark registration is not a guarantee that you will be able to prevent other businesses from using similar marks. If a similar mark is already registered, you may still be able to use your mark if you can show that your mark is used in a different way or that it has acquired a secondary meaning.
If you are considering registering a trademark, it is advisable to seek professional advice from a trademark professional. They can help you to choose a distinctive trademark, conduct a trademark search, and file your trademark application.
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