Trademark Registration: How to Protect Your Brand Name and Logo
Your brand name and logo are among your most valuable assets. Registering them as trademarks gives you the legal right to stop others from using the same or a confusingly similar mark for related goods or services.
Why register
- Exclusive rights to the mark for the registered classes
- Easier legal action against copycats
- An asset that can be licensed or sold
- Use of the ® symbol after registration
Choose the right class
Trademarks are registered in classes of goods and services. A software company, a restaurant and a clothing brand fall into different classes. Filing in the wrong class leaves the brand unprotected where it matters, so map your current and planned products before filing.
The process in brief
1. Search. Check existing marks for anything identical or similar in your classes.
2. Application. File with the mark, owner details, classes and a description of goods or services.
3. Examination. The registry examines the application and may raise objections.
4. Reply and publication. Objections are answered; accepted marks are published so others can oppose.
5. Registration. If there is no successful opposition, the mark is registered.
You can use the ™ symbol once you have applied.
Avoiding common objections
- Avoid purely descriptive or generic names
- Run a proper search before choosing a brand
- Describe goods and services accurately
A note on accuracy
Timelines and procedures vary from case to case. Take advice from a trademark professional for your specific brand.
How Vega Legal helps
Vega Legal runs trademark searches, filings and objection replies through verified experts, with transparent pricing and live status updates.