![]() ![]() Registration is future proofing your business name. Initially you need to think about your business plan, and where you propose taking your business in the future. ![]() Here we will look at the various registration options available to a new business with the hope that you can choose the right and most cost efficient name security you need. All of these options cost different amounts. Once granted, a registration will last initially for 10 years and, subject to paying renewal fees thereafter, they can remain in force forever.As with all types of registration there are various ways in which you can choose to protect my business name. The official fees for a UK registration are just £200, and for a Community Trade Mark they can be less than £1000.Ĭosts for other countries vary. Fees for trade mark registrationĪlthough the registration of trade marks can be complicated, it need not be expensive. It is therefore advisable to obtain expert advice on the filing of your mark and qualified trade mark attorneys can help to ensure that you get it right. Mistakes made at the outset cannot be rectified later on, and this could have a detrimental effect on your ability to enforce the protection of your mark. The registration of trade marks can sometimes get complicated and it is essential that you get it right at the beginning. If you have not registered first, you could be stopped from using your trade mark if someone else obtains a registration. It should be noted that in most instances your prior use of a mark will not help you if someone else gets a registration. One registered, the owner of the registration can stop others from using the mark (or a mark that is similar to the mark as registered) and, just as important, registration can help you to avoid problems that will arise if someone else registers your mark (or a similar mark) before you do. It is important to note that you will benefit from registration only in the countries where your trade mark is registered. For other countries, it is possible to obtain local national registrations or, in some instances, what is known as an International Registration (a single registration that extends to a number of countries). If your business extends to Europe, you can obtain a Community Trade Mark which protects your mark for all EU countries. Trade Marks can be registered at the Patent Office which is based in Newport, South Wales and this will provide protection of the mark in the UK. If the question is “How do I best protect my trade mark?”, the answer is registration. You should not rely on unregistered rights if you are serious about protecting your trade mark. Again, this will not be of much help in the event of a dispute.In the UK, trade mark rights are acquired through use or trade mark registration. Rights acquired through use are not very reliable – they are difficult to prove and expensive to enforce. If you need to stop someone from using a trade mark that is the same or similar to your mark, your company name registration is no basis of an objection. Registering a company name gives you no rights other than to stop someone else registering the exact same name at Companies House. The fact that your trade mark is part of your registered company name is no help at all. So, what do you do to protect your trade mark?įirst, let's get a couple of common misconceptions out of the way: If confusion arises, you will not lose just the one sale. If just one sale is lost because someone has bought goods from another company thinking that they are your goods, or if you are a service provider and you lose out on work that should have come to you because one of your competitors has used your mark or something similar, that is already too much lost business. Think – if someone else used your trade mark (or even a similar mark), would your customers (or potential new customers) be confused? And would that confusion be detrimental to your business? Most trade marks, of course, are not as valuable as Coca Cola or Microsoft, but, still, your mark is an asset that should be protected against potential misuse by others. How much would someone pay to be the only one allowed to use Coca Cola for fizzy drinks? Or Microsoft for computers? ![]() Some trade marks are so valuable, it is near impossible to put a price on them. You can't trade without one – how else would your existing customers find you again and how would new customers find you in the first place? ![]()
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12/11/2023 11:18:08 pm
To register a new company, choose a unique name and business structure, then file the necessary paperwork with your government entity. Obtain essential licenses and permits, secure an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and open a separate business bank account. Comply with taxation regulations and, if forming a corporation or LLC, establish internal agreements. Seek legal or financial guidance to ensure adherence to local laws and guidelines for a successful registration process.
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