Trade marks attorney Jacqui Pryor answers some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding trademarking – and in particular, trademarking words, names or simple phrases. Can I trademark a word? Yes, so long as it meets the overriding definition of a trademark – being a sign that you will use to distinguish goods/services from… Read more »
Trademarks and patents (by definition) are entirely different things. A trademark is a ‘sign’ that one trader uses or intends to use in order to distinguish their products or services from the similar products or services of others. Often we might call this a brand name or logo for example. The ‘thing’ you apply… Read more »
Here at Quick off the Mark, we’re often asked “What can be trademarked? Can I trademark my name?” “Can I trademark a colour or a symbol?” We thought given these are such commonly asked questions that we’d put together this guide to help you get a better understanding of what can and can’t be… Read more »
Running a business can mean long days and nights, stressful decisions and a lot of day to day micro management of issues. Having your intellectual property protected under law may not seem like the most urgent task when you’re first starting out or trying to grow your business, however this relatively simple process can… Read more »
We’re all familiar the little TM and R symbols that we see frequently on business names and products. However, when it comes to the process of actually registering a trademark or having to do it yourself, we know that often business owners are not sure where to begin. Trademarks, their registration, enforcement and protection,… Read more »
Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, it’s important to protect your brand and intellectual property from any possible infringements. Areas of intellectual property such as trademarks are often complex and confusing to many traders but your brand and the reputation attached to it are some of your business’s best assets, so… Read more »
When you’re in business you should be aiming to try and minimise as many risks to your livelihood as possible, and registering and protecting your trademark should be one of the first actions you take to help achieve this. If you decide that you don’t want to register your trademark, or will get around… Read more »
As a business owner or perhaps even a trademark applicant/holder you may have heard the following terms. Their definitions are not always as obvious as they may seem! We’ve collated the following glossary to assist business owners in understanding what these words mean. Alternative Dispute Resolution: the process of discussion (and can include mediation,… Read more »
It’s not uncommon for most people to find the legal side of their business overwhelming and want to put off dealing with matters of legal protection. The areas of intellectual property such as trademarks, copyright and patents are not subjects that most business operators usually have much experience in. Many are often in doubt… Read more »
Your trademark is a powerful representation of your business in the marketplace, and it brings with it certain responsibilities and protections. As part of these, you should be familiar with the concept of trademark oppositions. An opposition is a formal process where an objection can be lodged against someone else’s trademark being registered with… Read more »