Who Handles Trademark Registrations?

When you are ready to do a trademark registration you are going to want to apply at the Intellectual Property Office. They are responsible for all trademark registrations and patents. They are responsible for keeping track of all trademarks that are registered. You will need to apply through their online site or by post. There are certain things that you are required to do when you register your trademark. There are also things that you can do to ensure that your trademark is accepted by the Intellectual Property Office.

The paperwork can actually be done on their website to make the process easier for you. You can even pay the fee online by using a credit card or debit card. You will be asked questions about your business. The IPO will have to know how to classify your business. There are 45 categories that your business can be classified as. Your products or service may fit into more than one classification. You will want to check to see where your business fits in. It can make a difference to your trademark being accepted or not.

There is no law that says you have to register your trademark. That is totally up to you. It is a good idea to do, however. No one will be able to take your name or logo if your name or logo is registered. The name you use as a business name is actually your trademark. It differentiates your business from that of your competitors. It tells your customers who they are dealing with. Don't take a chance on losing business by losing your good name to a competitor. By doing Trademark Registration you are assured no one else misuses your name. Anyone who uses a trademark without permission can actually be sued.

When you register you are going to want to check the different classifications to see if the trademark you want to use is already taken. You would be surprised how many times a company will have the same name as yours. It isn't a problem as long as the other company does something completely different than you and is located in a different location. If the two businesses are in the same business you will have to have totally different names.

After you do a thorough check it will be time to send in your application. The Intellectual Property Office will also do a thorough check. If your name is acceptable they will publish it in their weekly journal. It will remain there so any companies out there can check it against their own trademarks. They have the right to oppose the trademark. If this happens you can fight to keep the trademark. As long as there is no opposition your new trademark will become registered at the end of the two months. It will become your property. No one will be able to use it in any way without your permission.

When you are ready to register your trademark contact the Intellectual Property Office to see what trademarks are acceptable. Not all things can be put on your trademark. There are rules that must be followed.