Any distinctive way to describe a good or service that sets it apart from competitors is a trademark. Although most businesses are only interested in registering a brand name or logo, trademark owners have the exclusive right to use their creations in the 45 categories (referred to as classes) in which they are registered. This expression could be a word, slogan, photograph, logo, graphic, color combination, sound, or even smell.Owners can simply prove their ownership rights in court and receive royalties by registering their trademarks. Additionally, it discourages piracy and stops other companies from registering identical names.
A trademark is essentially a characteristic of your brand. It could be your brand name, your brand's logo, or even your brand's slogan. For example, 'Nike', tge 'Swoosh', or the slogan 'just Do It'. In some cases, the brand's name and logo are combined into one, as in the case of BMW, or Coca-Cola. That is called a Logo Composite Mark.
A trademark grants you commerical rights to sell a particular brand name in a certain sector of the economy. There are 45 sectors and each sector is called a class. For instance, Class 28 refers to Toys, Games, and Sports. So if you want to protect your toy brand, you need to make an application under Class 28 and get exclusive commercial rights, to sell your brand of toys under that class.
No need to worry. If your trademark brand name is taken, you can prepare a Logo Composite Mark by combining you logo and your name, and apply as one. This is a common strategy used to apply for a trademark, even if the trade name itself has been taken.
You need to give us a signed letter, allowing us to apply for your trademark. This is called an Authorisation Letter. Once an Authorisation Letter has been received, we prepare your documents, make the application for you online, and pay the necessary fees. Almost instantly, you get a confirmation of the application and you can start using the ™ symbol next to your name.
The trademark registration application process is done almost instantly. It can be done within a few hours of you giving us your Authorization Letter. The Government, after we make the application, takes 18 to 24 months, to confirm the registration and give you the confirmed Registration Certificate for your trademark. You can then use the ® symbol next to your name.