Author: Rachael
The Pitfalls Of An Unregistered Trade Mark
Unregistered trade marks give you as much protection as a sieve in the rain. However, there is a glimmer of hope. If you’ve been using your trade mark for several years, and built up a large customer base your rights are limited. But, if another business starts using your name, you only have “passing off” […]
READ MORE
Top 7 Trade Mark Registration Mistakes
Trade mark registration mistakes are more common than you think. Although it sounds as though it should be straight forward, it’s not, and when mistakes happen, they can be costly. We’re not just talking about financial cost, but also reputational and time. As trade mark attorneys, it’s our job to make sure our clients’ trade […]
READ MORE
5 Reasons Why You Must Register Your Trade Mark Before You Do Anything Else
It’s true to say there is nothing from stopping you using your trade mark if it’s not registered. That’s why so many business owners don’t bother. But they’re missing the point of trade mark registration. Look at it this way. As your business grows, so does your reputation. However, what happens when someone else decides […]
READ MORE
Are You Effectively Managing Your Trade Mark Portfolio?
Trade Mark portfolio management wasn’t the first thing on your mind when you started your business. You probably only had one trade mark to register. After all, your company was still in its infancy, and that’s all you needed. However, as time passes and your business grows, you’re beginning to amass new trade marks as your […]
READ MORE
Why A Bespoke Trade Mark Specification Will Afford You The Best Protection
Is a bespoke trade mark specification essential? Let’s look at the evidence. The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) uses a worldwide trade mark classification system that groups together similar goods and services into 45 classes for trade mark registration purposes. Registering your trade mark is essential. It prevents someone else registering the same or a […]
READ MORE
Litigation – Why It’s Best To Protect Yourself From The Outset
Litigation refers to proceedings initiated between two opposing parties to enforce or defend a legal right. In the case of trade marks, litigation begins the moment someone decides to formally enforce or defend their legal rights. The reality of litigation is that it is an incredibly stressful experience. It also has the potential to tie […]
READ MORE
What Is Trade Mark Confusion?
Trade mark confusion is a real problem. Your trade mark is a unique signifier to consumers of the origin and quality of your products or services. It’s just one of the things that stands you apart from your competitors. The idea is that it is individual to you. That’s why, when you applied to register […]
READ MORE
Why Has Your DIY Trade Mark Application Got Stuck?
You had a trade mark to register for your business. After doing a Google search, you decided the application processes looked pretty straightforward. Therefore, due to all your other start-up costs, you chose to go down the DIY route. Encouraged by all the advice you read online you didn’t worry about reading up on all […]
READ MORE
What Is A Series of Trade Marks?
You already know how important it is to protect your brand by registering your trade mark, but do you know how a series of trade marks works? When developing your brand, it’s entirely possible that you’ll play with different colourways, character cases, and include descriptions of the product. Under specific circumstances, you could get trade […]
READ MORE
How McDonald’s Lost Out In The Battle Of The Burgers
Trade mark revocation is something we’ve covered in detail in the past. However, a recent high profile case makes it worthwhile revisiting this topic area. There is a burger war happening. The Ireland-based fast-food chain, Supermac’s, filed a trade mark revocation against McDonald’s Big Mac with the EUIPO. It states that the mark wasn’t put […]
READ MORE