Rules Apply To Trademark Registration

A trademark is also referred to as a brand. It is the name or logo of your company. You use it every day that you operate your business. It is very important to the success of your business. Many companies have famous names and logos which they have registered. No one can use that name or logo without express permission from the company. Some companies may have more than one registered trademark. They may register their name and logo separately. There are several fast food chains which have more than one registered trademark. There are some soda drink companies which have more than one trademark. The logo and the name are well known to customers and they actually do business with the trademark as much as they do the company that owns the trademark.

Rules Apply

When it is time to get your name or logo registered you will want to read up on the rules that apply to trademarks. The Intellectual Property Office is responsible for all trademark registrations. They have a list of what is and is not acceptable. Some of the rules are:

> There can be nothing offensive on the trademark. That means no unacceptable language or pornography.

> You cannot use a protected emblem. A good example of a protected emblem is the cross that is associated with the Red Cross.

> Nothing three dimensional will be accepted.

> They cannot promote anything illegal. If you try to use a slang term for an illegal drug it will not be accepted.

> Cannot describe the goods you sell.

> Cannot be deceptive. You cannot tell an untruth about the product or service.

There are other rules but these are some of the main ones. To find a list of all the rules you can check out the website of the Intellectual Property Office.

Where to Register

You will register with the Intellectual Property Office. They are responsible for all patents and trademarks. They will have a list of all the trademarks that have already been registered. They will also have a list of all the classes that your business may fall under. There are 45 classes in all. 35 are for products and 10 are for services. Your business could fall under more than one class. Make sure to check all the classes to see if a trademark that is the same as yours or similar to yours is already registered. You may have to come up with a new company name if yours is taken by another company.

When to Apply

You should apply for a Trademark Registration as soon as you start a business. You don't want to get a good following of customers and then have to change your name. This is confusing to your customers. They will not be happy with the change. If you register at the start of your business you will have a protected name right from the start. You will not have to worry about anyone misusing your name or logo. If someone uses your name without your permission you have the right to bring a lawsuit against them.