In Australia, registering a trade mark for your business name offers several important benefits:
Exclusivity: When you register a trade mark, you gain exclusive rights to use that mark in Australia. This means that no one else in the country can commercially use your registered trade mark for the same goods or services you’ve specified during registration.
Protection: A registered trade mark allows you to legally deter others from using a similar mark for related goods and services. If someone tries to infringe on your trade mark, you have legal recourse to protect your brand.
Value: Registering a trade mark provides you with a powerful tool. You can sell or license your trademark to others. As your business grows, the value of your trademark increases. It becomes an asset that can enhance business agreements with producers, distributors, sellers, or contractors.
Remember that a trade mark is distinct from a company name, business name, or domain name. It specifically protects your brand and ensures that your unique identity remains yours. Before applying for a trade mark, it’s essential to check if the desired mark is available. There are also rules about what names can be trade marked. It is important to get professional assistance with searching the database of existing trade marks to ensure your trade mark is not already being used.
How long does it last?
A registered trade mark is protected in all Australian states and territories for an initial period of 10 years, which can be renewed every decade for a fee. If you want exclusive rights to your business name, trade marking it is a crucial step to safeguard your brand and establish a solid foundation for long-term success.
Going Global?
If you are looking to grow your brand overseas, you will also need to consider trade marking your brand overseas. Having an existing trade mark in Australia can help with this process. Speak to us today about how to protect your brand in other countries.
New businesses
If you are just getting started in business, it is important to consider if the brand you are choosing for your business and your preferred logos are able to be trade marked. Don’t spend time and money marketing a brand only to realise that it is already trade marked by someone else or cannot be protected.
We can assist with advice on choosing a brand as well as advice on protecting your brand. Speak to us today about your options.