- Choose how you wish to register your trademark.
Different types of trademark are available for registration. You can register a word, a logo, a shape, a combination of these items and in some countries you can even register a sound. All these types of registration come with their own scope of protection. If the trademark you wish to register is a fantasyword, then a registration of a wordmark is your best option in most cases, but if your logo is very distinctive you may wish to register a figurative mark.
- Choose in which countries you wish to register your trademark.
Only countries in which you have actually registered your trademark you can invoke these rights to third parties. For the European Union one registration is sufficient for protection in all countries of the EU. Outside of the EU international registration is available for around 70 countries worldwide or national registrations in countries around the globe are available.
In general you have a period of 6 months after the first application to expand your registration and maintain the first application date by claiming priority. You can register your trademark at a later stage in different countries, but you might run the risk that competitors are one step ahead and register your trademark in their name. In some countries this could lead to complications for selling your product or offering your service.
- Choose your classes.
Trademarks are registered in classes, or categories. It is important to make sure that your trademark is registered in the correct class. Also, you are not obliged to follow the standard classification, so make sure the classes are customized for your products or services. Be specific, but make sure you don’t limit the protection of your trademark.
- Make sure your registration is up-to-date.
Once your trademark has been registered, it is important to keep this up-to-date. If the name of your company or address changes, you should have this amended in the register. Also trademarks may be transferred to a different owner, make sure any change in this regard is also updated in the register. Should you at any time need to invoke your registration because a third party infringes your rights, you don’t want to be faced with formal issues that could have been resolved earlier.
- Don’t pay fees to any illegal companies
As trademark applications are registered in a public accessible trademark register there are unfortunately companies out there taking advantage of this publication. After the application of your trademark you will probably receive letters from unknown companies that claim you have to pay registration fees. These letters are very likely to be a scam, so double check before you make any payments.
We register trademarks all around the world and are happy to assist with any questions you may have about trademark registrations, just contact us at helen@thelegalgroup.nl.