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TRADE MARKS
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Contents What is a trade mark? Choosing a trade mark Why register a trade mark? Cost of trade mark registration Timescales for registration Protecting your trade mark globally Watch service Domain Names When to use and when to use General Comments What is a trade mark?
A trade mark is a sign used by a business to distinguish their goods or services from those of their competitors. Typically a trade mark may consist of a word or device (often described as a logo) although more unusual signs such as sounds or smells can also function as trade marks.
Registration is a significant deterrent to other traders and provides concrete proof of a claim to legal rights. While marks which have been used and acquired a reputation also enjoy legal protection in a number of countries, it is generally easier to protect a registered trade mark against unauthorised use.
In addition to the official fees, most trade mark advisors will charge you for their services in advising on the new filing and assisting in the preparation of the application. It is important to ensure that the application covers the proposed business activities since it is normally not possible to amend the claim once the application is filed. Our service charge for a UK filing is 265 as a basic, and 55 for each additional category of goods claimed. This fee includes a 30 minute consultation if required, whether in person, over the telephone or by correspondence. Once the application is filed it will be examined by the relevant Trade Mark Registry who may object to the mark if it conflicts with earlier registrations or is considered not sufficiently unique or distinctive of the applicant's goods or services. Again it is usual to appoint a specialist advisor to deal with such objections, which may be overcome by written argument or attending a Hearing at the relevant Registry. As a rule of thumb if objections are encountered but eventually overcome the total cost of securing a trade mark registration in the United Kingdom is unlikely to exceed 800 - 1,000. Further registration fees are payable under the Community Trade Mark system; the average cost of securing a Community Trade Mark is between 2,000 - 2,500 -
although this figure may increase if a broad category of goods or services is to be covered.
has been filed, it is prudent to set up a Watch Service in your country(ies) of interest to ensure that a competitor does not seek to register a mark which is identical or similar to yours. A watch service can be set up on an annual basis for a relatively low cost.
Domain Names
We can register your domain names not only as domain names but also as trade marks. When filing an application to register a domain name as a trade mark the qualifier .com, .co.uk etc is not taken into account when the Patent Office is carrying out similarity comparisons against earlier trade marks since it is only the individual identifying element in which exclusive rights are granted.
General Comments
It will be appreciated that the commentary above is designed to answer most frequently asked questions about trade mark registration and trade mark searching. For more detailed advice please do not hesitate to contact our specialist trade mark advisors.
Watch Service
Once your trade mark has been chosen, cleared by the carrying out of full availability searches and an application
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