Logo Applications and Registrations
Trademark applications (and registrations) provide you with the tools to protect your business and investment; in fact they will become your best business asset. There is a very common misconception that registering a company, purchasing the fields and registering for tax purposes provides you along with legal rights to protect your brand. This is simply not the case; only a registered trademark can provide you with the legal backing to secure your venture and its future surgical treatments.
Questions often arise to whether to register a brand. The simple answer is that it is imperative, providing the only form of protection that provides exclusive legal rights to utilize the company trademark status objected for the specific goods and services, both in the offline and online environments; affording the business the capability to stop others from the brand and potentially damaging the reputation of the business.
In respect to a trademark application, numerous aspects surrounding the brand and image of the company can be protected. Like logos, phrases, taglines, colours, fonts and images. Furthermore, trademarks are registered for particular goods and alternatives. The inclusion of a written description for this business’ offerings provides the legal specifics of a security program. It is important that the range of merchandise and/or services that business produces is correctly classified into one of the 45 separate categories available.
It is important to spotlight that trademark applications are country specific. For instance, this means that in case you have a trademarked business in New Zealand that currently is trading, or is proposing to trade, in Australia you should protect vehicles and business conception in australia too. Having rights to the brand, logo and product offerings in New Zealand does not mean you have got the same rights in Australia; a separate trademark application must be typed.
The process of a trademark application in both mentioned countries is very similar; however, there are longer confirmation times when applying for an Australian based trademark. The trademark application process in both countries are registered on the ‘first to file’ basis, which means that if another business or individual files a trademark application prior to your own, then they may gain the legal rights to be able to the trademark. Once computer software is received, the trademarks office examined the application, searching for any potential issues in the application itself. It is then advertised for what is termed an ‘opposition period’, which enables other to lodge a complaint or objection re the task. However, objections are rare and the majority of trademark applications progress straight through to registration. Your trademark registration is approved, the business will receive certification and approval to be the exclusive user for this specified trademark for all the different goods and services went for under the application.
