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As a business in England, it is crucial to understand that trade mark registration is essential for any brand. This includes trade mark registration for your logo. If you do not register your logo, it can leave you vulnerable to copycats. This article will discuss the reasons why trade mark registration is essential for logos.
The Purpose of Intellectual Property and Trade Marks
Intellectual property is an intangible asset that can take many different forms. It can add value to your business, so it is critical for you to use its full potential to grow and develop your brand and register your logo.
Trade marks are brand identifiers meaning that they are the elements of a brand that makes consumers recognise the origin of a product or service. Their design should, therefore, distinguish your business from your competitors. They can incorporate elements of your branding and the products or services you offer, such as your:
- ethics;
- customer care;
- reputation in your business area and target audience; and
- geographical presence.
These benefits are the same for large and small businesses. Logos are just one example of how different trade mark types can benefit your marketing and development strategy. Regardless of the size or status of your business, trade marks can help you as a brand owner. Therefore, it is essential to use trade mark protection to strengthen your legal rights, such as registering your logo.
LegalVision’s Trade Mark Essentials Guide provides valuable information for any business looking to register or enforce a trade mark.
Why Logos Are Important for Your Business
Logos are easily absorbable for any consumer. They are eye-catching, and through pictures, symbols and designs, consumers can identify a brand or products or services. They can also identify its reputation, price range, and more. You can use a logo in advertisements, packaging, and marketing. A logo grabs an audience’s attention and can be essential in creating the first impression. It is the foundation of your branding and can help your brand become stronger. Some famous logos include the:
- Apple symbol;
- Nike tick;
- Coca-cola logo; and
- Microsoft logo.
Logos can become highly valuable intellectual property in their own right, which is why it is crucial to obtain exclusive rights over their usage.
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Trade Mark Registration Versus Non-Registration
Trade marks can grow your brand and increase consumer awareness of what your business has to offer. However, trade marks also serve as a means of protecting your brand against competitors.
The primary benefit of trade mark registration is that your business gains exclusive rights to use the mark. Therefore, you have legal protection for your logo from competitors who may seek to use a similar or identical logo. The application process is relatively straightforward and cost-effective. You should obtain advice during the registration application to ensure your first application has the best chance of success.
As your business grows, your company logo will become more valuable in terms of branding and your ability to market and grow your business. Therefore, protecting your logo from an early stage against competitors is vital. Trade mark registration provides a means of legal action if another business infringes on your intellectual property rights.
You can still obtain protection with an unregistered trade mark. However, you will have to prove the mark is yours and that it has built up goodwill in your area. If a competitor attempts to use your unregistered mark, it is more challenging to protect your legal rights than when you register your mark.
Key Takeaways
Logos can be highly valuable to businesses and generate their financial value as independent intellectual property. Therefore, it is vital to protect your logo from the outset, as it will only increase in value as your company grows. Trade mark registration is essential to guarantee exclusive rights over your company logo. Once you have obtained a registered trade mark through the Intellectual Property Office, your business can use your mark and protect it. If another business were to use your registered trade mark without permission, you could take legal action for intellectual property infringement.
If you need help or advice around the application process for registering your logo as a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office, LegalVision’s experienced intellectual property lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Logos differentiate your business from competitors, which is precisely the intention behind trade marks. A logo distinguishes your brand from others and is a critical brand identifier that you should seek to protect as an asset of your business.
You can have an unregistered or registered trade mark. If your logo is unregistered, it will be more challenging to protect against infringement than when registered.
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