What is a Trademark?
Trademarks are treated as a valuable asset by most businesses. Since it is a public representation of your brand value, it deserves protection and due diligence. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind whilst registering for a trademark:
When you’re starting out a business online (or offline), we’re pretty sure you’ve heard of the term ‘trademark’ from a few people. There will be those who’ll tell you how important trademark registration is and then there will be those who will say it’s just an add-on.
1. Types of Trademark
A variety of different symbols can be used as trademarks, as noted above. Graphic content like logos, special characters, images, sound marks, pattern can also be used as trademarks. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Word
- Service
- Phrase
- Logo
- Symbol
- Series
- Shapes
- Certification
- Geographical
- Pattern
- Colour
- Sound
- 3D Graphic
2. Trademark is an Asset
Trademarks are considered as intellectual property for an individual or business, and have a lot of value attached to them.
Consider this, how many will buy Cola from a regular soda shop and how many will purchase a bottle that says Coca Cola on it?
Definitely a huge audience will prefer Coca Cola even if it is sold at a much higher price point. This is why Coca Cola is a protected trademark.
The trademark is a unique identity for your business.
3. Registered Trademarks are Legally Protected
A registered trademark has legal protection under intellectual property. Therefore, in case of infringement, the owner of a trademark can sue and exercise their legal rights that grant them protection.
Depending on your business type and the market you’re catering to, you can also apply for an international trademark.
4. Mark Search on Public Directory of Trademarks
A trademark search can be carried out through the official website and office of the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks. This can also be accessed through third party apps.
5. Class
A trademark search can be carried out through the official website and office of the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks. This can also be accessed through third party apps.
6. Trademark Registration is not Mandatory
Although it is advised to register for trademarks, it is not mandatory to do so. It is a voluntary process and trademarks are applied for to protect a brand name.
7. Validity
After the issuing of the trademark registration certificate, a trademark is valid for 10 years. During the last year of validity, it is important to apply for a renewal in case one wants to retain that trademark. Post the expiration, the trademark certificate will stand null and void and the owner will have to reapply.
8. Symbols
There are three types of trademark symbols, ™ for applied trademark but not yet approved. ® is for registered trademark. And ℠ for services, not products.
Getting Your Business Trademarked
While you can trademark your business on your own, don’t hesitate in reaching out for help. You always hire professional or legal services to help you with this.
You can also go to the trademark office. Registration of trademarks online can be easier to do, but sometimes you may need someone to walk you through it physically.
Once you have a trademark in place and based on how you’re scaling your business, remember to get a trademark attorney. This will help you get to know the trademark law better and if/how your exclusive rights change over time.
Note: There is also something called an “unregistered trademark”. The common law trademark is an enforceable mark created by a business, individual or brand to signify or distinguish a product or service and define its uniqueness. It is legally different from a registered trademark.
About Us
Thinksprout Infotech is leading IT Solutions company providing excellent services with great efforts. The Company also deals in Online Application and Custom Software Development. Moreover, we have an extensively experienced team in programming databases and back-end solutions. In the same vein, we develop user-friendly applications for our clients for better operations and outputs.
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About Us
Thinksprout Infotech is leading IT Solutions company providing excellent services with great efforts. The Company also deals in Online Application and Custom Software Development. Moreover, we have an extensively experienced team in programming databases and back-end solutions. In the same vein, we develop user-friendly applications for our clients for better operations and outputs.
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