If you desire to create a healthy firm in the UK without losing your brand name to competition, consider trademark a business name.
One of the most exciting elements of launching a new business is coming up with a distinctive business name. This name is a crucial aspect of your business, therefore it’s a good idea that you establish ownership and protect it with a registered trademark.
Registering a trademark guarantees your brand name remains one-of-a-kind and shields it against abuse or theft. With this post, you may learn more about what a trademark is, why you should trademark, and how to register and trademark a business name in the UK.
Source: Trademarrk a business name UK
Overview of getting trademarked in the UK
What is a trademark?
Trademarks are origin identifiers that can take numerous forms, such as words, slogans, logos, shapes, colors, and sounds, to differentiate one vendor’s goods or services from those of another.
It also provides as legal protection against anybody misrepresenting your brand or using it without your consent, as well as preventing rivals from using a name that is same or similar to yours.
You may receive some trademark protection just by incorporating a logo and slogan in your business name, but the best protection comes from registering your mark with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) (IPO).
What are the rewards of becoming trademarked?
Registering a trademark for your business name can provide you an edge over competitors in the current business landscape:
Enjoy exclusive privileges
You will have exclusive rights to use and capitalize the trademarked name. You may also use it for any commodities that fit into the suitable category (es) (es).
Enhance credentials
When you successfully register a trademark, the ® symbol will show after your company’s name and logo.
This manner people will accept your brand credibility and are more inclined to acquire your stuff.
Create a stronger brand identity
Getting your brand trademarked will help boost your brand’s visibility and reinforce your company’s reputation as competent and credible.
Protect your brand
Once your trademark has been registered, you can take legal action against anybody who uses it unlawfully.
Avoid confusion
Consumers will quickly differentiate your brand name and logo from other providers of the same items if your identity is curated and registered.
Boost sales
With a registered brand, you can build a strong identification and reputation, which can enhance your marketing efforts and increase sales.
How can I trademark my business name in the UK?
Trademarking your business name may be complex and may take more time than you anticipate. Before applying, you should take your time and conduct your homework.
In the section below, we’ve summarized a 5-step guidance to assist you go through the procedure easily.
Step 1: Register your company name
Make sure you register firm name with Companies House before filing for a trademark.
Many individuals confuse the trademark application procedure with the name registration process, but they are not the same.
Step 2: Identify your trademark
The first step is to select how you want your mark to be protected.
Check your eligibility
You’ll want to check sure your company name is qualified for trademark protection, which means it hasn’t previously been trademarked on the Companies House database.
Check not just for the name you want but also for names that sound similar. If the name is too close to one already enrolled in the same class, your registration may be refused.
Choose your mark format
You may trademark your company name in a variety of styles, such as a normal character mark, a design mark, or a sound mark.
Step 3: Specify your trademark classes
When registering a trademark, you must describe the classifications of your product and/or service.
Example
If you run a spirits brewing firm called “Sunshine” but also create beer, you must trademark your business name under both the alcohols and beer classes.
A trademark registration only protects your name in the class in which it has been registered. Other firms can still utilize it for various sorts of goods or services.
Your application cannot be altered once it has been filed, therefore include all classes related to your company activity. If you wish to add more classes in the future, you will have to pay for an extra application.
Step 4: Submit trademark application
You can file an application with the IPO immediately using an online form, or if you are unable to apply online, you can always apply by post.
Step 5: Wait for approval
After your trademark application is filed, you may expect approval within 12 weeks.
If concerns are highlighted, you’ll receive specific objections, in which case, you will have two months to rectify those complaints.
If no objections are lodged, your trademark application will be granted and then published in the UK Trade Marks Journal.
A UK trademark is valid for an initial duration of 10 years and may be renewed every 10 years, for an endless amount of time.
Can my trademark registration get rejected? And why?
Within 2 weeks after submitting, you will obtain a “examiner’s report” from the IPO, which notify you of any concerns with your application to trademark a company name in the UK.
You’ll have 2 months to react to the IPO and rectify these flaws, or your application will be refused.
There might be several obstacles that hinder you from registering a trademark, some frequent ones are given below:
Your business name is excessively descriptive or lacks individuality
The name is too similar to an existing trademark or a mark in a co-pending application.
Your trademark is registered for non-business reasons
You have various choices for dealing with objections to your application:
File a hearing request if you think your application was not fairly reviewed
Provide additional documentation of the authenticity of your trademark request
Your application may be admissible in certain courses but not others, you can request that the registration be separated so that the process can proceed in recognized divisions
Seek aid from professional advisers
Speak with the individual making the opposition
Ready to start your business? BBCIncorp can help you get the ground running swiftly and inexpensively. If you have any issues regarding registering your firm or trademarking a name, please contact us at service@bbcincorp.com.
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