Obtaining protection for a name.
WHAT IT PROVIDES
Exclusive rights to use the mark for the registered goods or services.
WHAT IT DOES NOT PROVIDE
Rights in unrelated categories Rights in other countries
WHERE IT IS DONE LOCALLY
The trademarks registry within the relevant ministry.
WHAT CLASSES ARE
A standard international classification of goods and services.
WHY THEY MATTER
Protection is limited to the classes registered.
WHAT TO REGISTER IN
Every class you operate in, and those you intend to.
WHAT THAT COSTS
Fees per class, so it accumulates.
WHAT TO PRIORITISE
The classes covering your actual business.
WHAT THE PROCESS BROADLY INVOLVES
A search for conflicting marks Filing the application Examination Acceptance and publication An opposition period Registration and certificate
WHAT THE OPPOSITION PERIOD IS
A window in which others may object.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A process measured in many months.
WHAT TO REGISTER
The word mark, the logo, or both.
WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS
A word mark protects the name however it is written; a logo protects that presentation.
WHAT TO PREFER IF CHOOSING ONE
The word mark, usually.
WHY
Logos change; names persist.
WHAT TO KEEP
The certificate and the registration number.
WHAT TO CALENDAR
Renewal, per the prescribed term.
