Now we’ve established that business names can become valuable assets through trademark registration, a logical next step is to consider when to register your name. When to register your business name as a trade mark? Plus, a registered trade mark can hold significant value and much like any tangible asset, it can be bought, sold, and licenced. And they’ll want to be able to continue using the business name after the purchase. If you ever came to sell your business in the future, potential buyers will want to ensure the brand is protected. Nevertheless, each trade mark will add identifiable value to your business. Aside from your name, you can also register your logo, distinctive brand colours, slogans, and more.Ī word mark would give your business name broader protection, whereas a logo mark is more limited protection in respect of that particular figurative logo. No, there are a number of different assets a business owner can register as a trade mark. They can also conduct clearance searches to identify any identical or similar marks already on the register – doing this prior to an application saves you time and money in the long-run.
SHOULD I TRADEMARK MY BUSINESS NAME US REGISTRATION
Resemblance: marks must not resemble state symbols, like flags or hallmarksĪ trade mark registration lawyer can advise on the eligibility of your business name and preemptively determine the likelihood that your application will proceed smoothly, without hitting any speed bumps along the way.
Not only does this help attract and retain customers, but the trust and goodwill associated with your brand significantly boosts the value of the business as a whole (which is highly beneficial should you seek investment or a sale of the business). This means you have exclusive use of the name.Īs you can see, a trade mark can be crucial for deterring infringement and enforcing your rights against third parties.īut that exclusivity is even more important as your business grows and the brand becomes more recognisable.
You can pursue legal action against anyone who infringes your rights without permission, such as those imitating or copying your business name.Ī registered trade mark also gives you the right to stop third parties from registering identical or similar marks in classes of goods and services that are identical or similar to your mark. If you register the name of your business as a trade mark, then only your business is allowed to use that name for the goods and services it’s registered against. Why should you trade mark your business name? It’s not a requirement to trade mark your business name in the UK or elsewhere, but doing so will provide you with exclusive rights.Īs such, it’s worth taking the time to strongly consider the benefits of trade mark protection for your business, which we’ll outline below. Do I need to trade mark my business name? However, trade marks further afield can require individual applications in each country you wish to target. Registering with the EUIPO covers all 27 member states in the European Union, for example. International brands may also wish to register their business name overseas. We highly recommend that any company registers their brand name as a trade mark if the name is eligible and available.Īs a minimum, you should consider registering your business name as a mark in the UK via the government’s intellectual property office (the UK IPO).
One of the most common questions we receive from startups, and even established SMEs, is: “Should I trade mark my business name?”.Ī trade mark is a vital, valuable commercial asset for any business.
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