Trademarks are a sign used to distinguish the products or services of one organisation from those of other enterprises. It can be a word, phrase, logo, image, or combination of these elements. It may appear on a product, its packaging, or the labels of the products.
Its purpose is to allow consumers to identify the source of the goods or services. This asset can also be used as a form of advertising. When a company uses this intangible asset, it indicates that it stands behind the quality of its products or services.
This asset should be registered with the government to give the owner exclusive rights to use the mark. In the United States, the federal government grants this through the USPTO. State governments may also present one.
On the other hand, you can register this in the United Kingdom with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The IPO is the government agency responsible for intellectual property rights in the UK. When registering one, you must apply with the IPO. The request should have a list of the goods and services you want to register.
Myth # 1: Filing Your Application Is Easy
Filing this application yourself is easy and can save you time and money. However, it is essential to understand the process and be aware of the risks before you start. The first step is to search for trademarks like the one you want to register. It is vital to ensure that your brand is not too similar to an existing one, which could confuse consumers.
The application process can be confusing, but plenty of resources are available to help you. The government website is a great place to start, as it has all the necessary information. Once you have filed your application, you must wait for it to be processed. It can take a few weeks, so be patient.
Once your application has been approved, you must pay the registration fee. It is usually around £200, but several factors must be considered concerning the cost. Once registered, you can use it to protect your brand.
Myth # 2: You Can Register Common English Terms
Many people think they can register any old word as a trademark. Unfortunately, this is not the case. You cannot just go around registering common English words as trademarks.
There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, this asset is meant to distinguish the products or services of one trader from those of another. If everyone could register common English words, it would be difficult for consumers to tell one trader’s goods or services from another’s.
Secondly, allowing people to register common English words would result in many people trying to stop others from using those words. It would stifle competition and creativity and be a pain for everyone involved. So, if you are registering a common English word, think again because it is not worth the hassle.
Conclusion
Many misconceptions about trademarks can lead to costly mistakes for businesses. It is essential to understand that trademarks are relatively inexpensive to register. Additionally, companies should be aware that trademark infringement is not always intentional and that steps can be taken to mitigate the risk of violation. To ensure that you make the most of your trademark, consult The Trademarkroom. We understand the significance of this asset so that we can register this asset correctly and efficiently. So, contact us now for a consultation!
