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What is a trademark?
A trademark refers to the unique symbol or word(s) associated with or used to represent a business and its products. Trademarks help companies be easily recognisable and encourage companies to have consistent standards, so poor reviews do not come to be associated with them or their trademarks.
Some examples of trademarks include McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it”, the stylized font of “Coca-Cola” and the Nike swoosh symbol.
What is trademark registration and why is it important?
When a trademark is registered it cannot legally be used by another organization, as long as it remains in use and the proper paperwork is completed and maintained. Trademark registration offers a way to give you exclusive rights to use your trademark and increases its value.
It is possible to apply for an international registration, but you can apply directly to a designated region as well. If you are seeking to protect your brand in a particular country, it will be managed by the respective authority.
Otmore is a company of experienced consultants and a certified representative for EU-trademarks. Companies such as Otmore can help you secure your business assets and ensure that you have protection before you launch a brand or product. If a third party were to use your trademark on their own goods or services, you can take legal action against the trademark infringement.
A registered trademark will be valid for ten years before renewal is necessary, but it is advised to apply for renewal earlier on. If you hire consultants from Otmore, they will assist you with renewals nationally as well as internationally through trademark monitoring.
Trademark status can be indicated by “TM” for trademark, “SM” for service mark and “R” for registered. “TM” does not ensure that a trademark is protected, legal protection is only a guarantee with the registered mark “R”.
