There is a specific process to follow when registering your company’s trademark involving five distinct steps:
- Defining the trademark
- Viewing the trademark register
- Choosing the right classification for your trademark
- Submitting your application
- Addressing any feedback
Defining Your Trademark
Defining your trademark involves determining precisely what you will be trademarking, such as the specific colours, logos, shapes, and words you intend to use to identify your brand.
You should be aware that there are some limitations with regard to the content of trademarks. They may not contain generic images, offensive images, or words, incorrect or misleading labels, anything with an appearance too close to that of a state symbol, or generic descriptions for services or goods.
Checking The Register
Once you have decided on your trademark you must check the register to ensure a similar design is not already being used. If it is currently in use by another organisation, your application will fail.
Selecting A Classification
You must choose the appropriate classification for your trademark from the 45 different categories available. These represent the classes of services and goods that your company will provide; 34 of the available classifications cover products and goods, and 11 cover services. If several categories apply to your brand, you must register your trademark in every class it is going to operate in.
Submitting Your Application
The next step is to submit the application to the UK Intellectual Property Office via either the online form or by sending a postal application via the TM3 form. This will involve sending details of both your trademark and the services or goods you intend to use it on. You will also need to pay the appropriate fee.
Addressing Feedback
Should the Intellectual Property Office identify any issues with your trademark, they will ensure that you are informed. You will then be able to act on that feedback in order to resolve the issues and register your trademark.
Should there be no issues, you can expect the entire process to take between 3 and 4 months to complete.
For more information or for expert advice on business or personal legal issues, contact us at info@carterbond.co.uk or email us at www.carterbond.co.uk or call us on 020 3475 6751.
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