What are the benefits of a trade mark?

Brand Identity

Your trade mark is your brand's identity, and an integral marketing tool. It can be one of the the most valuable assets that a successful company has. As your business grows so does the value of your trade mark.

rights

Once you have a registered trade mark you have various rights given to you in relation to that mark, for example:

  • You can have exclusive use of your trade mark in relation to the goods and services it was registered for, it becomes your brand, the one and only in relation to the goods and services listed in the registration; 
  • You can authorise other people exclusive use of your trade mark in relation to the goods and services it was registered for;
  • You can sell your trade mark; 
  • You can protect it in the country that it is filed in if some one else’s goods and services are infringing it; and
  • You may be also in a good position to defend your trade mark from being used on the same, or similar goods and services as those for which you have obtained registration. 

the ® symbol

After successful registration of your trade mark you should place the ® symbol immediately adjacent to your trade mark. This allows other traders to see that you have the trade mark registration and it also aids in the protection of your IP. You should only use the ® symbol if you have a registered trade mark. If you have registration in another country and you want to use your mark in another jurisdiction you can use the ® symbol, however the country of registration must be clearly shown close to the ® symbol. If you do not have a trade mark registration you can use the ™ symbol. This will afford you some rights, however they’re nowhere near as strong as trade mark registration. 

Use it or lose it

The most important thing to remember is that you must use your mark in the course of trade to keep your registration. If you do not use it, it can be removed for non use, thereby allowing someone else to register it.

We can Help

Trademarks are one of the strongest forms of intellectual property rights granted. If you are interested in seeing whether or not your distinctive sign can be trade marked contact us for some initial, obligation free advice.