Your trade mark or brand name is an important asset. It distinguishes your product or service in the market from those of your competitors. It should be distinctive, with positive connotations, and which is memorable for your customers. A well-chosen and well-protected trade mark can acquire considerable goodwill and value. A poorly chosen or poorly protected one can lead to expensive litigation and/or rebranding.
Trade mark registration is separate and distinct from the incorporation of a company with Companies House or the registration of a domain name. Owning a company name or domain name gives no right to use either in the course of trade and as part of your branding and no rights to enable you to stop others using a similar brand name and registering the trade mark before you.
Registration of a trade mark protects your important business asset, giving you the right to prevent others from using and registering the same or a similar mark.
Most countries have their own trade mark registry and, since registrations can last indefinitely, it is vital to check that your new mark is not similar to something already registered in each country where you wish to trade. Once you know that your mark is available, it should then be registered as soon as possible.
Trade mark registrations can be vital when licensing, franchising or selling your business. They can also be helpful in securing loans or attracting investors who will want to see that you have protected your business.
At MW Trade Marks we assist with:
- The selection of new trade marks;
- Conducting clearance searches to ensure your proposed mark has not already been registered;
- Devising a cost-effective registration strategy to protect your business and future plans;
- The registration of trade marks in the UK, EU and worldwide;
- Reporting on similar marks via a trade mark watching service;
- Oppositions against similar trade marks;
- Reviewing, consolidating and improving trade mark portfolios;
- Maintenance and renewal of trade mark rights;
- Enforcing and defending trade mark rights;
- Licensing and exploitation of trade mark rights;
- Providing infringement advice;
- Assisting with due diligence on IP rights.