Part 1 of our Protecting your Company segment highlighted the benefits of registering caveats with your local Sheriff Court. In this instalment of Business Bites we touch upon the importance of protecting your brand, and your business's reputation. This can be achieved by registering a trade mark in the name of your product or service.
Registering a trade mark will enable you to take legal action against anyone using your brand name without your permission. You will also be able to use the ® symbol in order to reinforce that you own the name, and thus deter others from using it. There are also commercial advantages, as you can sell and licence your trade marked brand.
Trade marks are allocated a specific class of good or service, and it is possible to register your trade mark in more than one class. It is important to tailor the class description applicable to your trade mark to ensure it is fully protected.
The application process can take around four months if no objections are received. Davidson Chalmers has experience in filing applications on behalf of many of its corporate clients, and we are well placed to take you through each step of the process, from checking if your brand qualifies as a trade mark, to responding to any objections on your behalf.
Once your trade mark is registered it will remain in place for 10 years, providing long term protection for your business.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.