You’ve started your business- picked your name, your logo, and maybe even a catchy slogan. You’ve put thought into your location, image, and how you are going to market to your customer base. It’s an exciting time, but also a time to cover all your bases legally so that you don’t encounter issues as you grow.
One of those important legalities is to officially register your company trademark. Simply registering the business itself does not provide protection from infringement from the competition. Only a registered trademark gives you exclusive use of your name, slogan, logo, and trademark throughout Australia for the goods and services that you provide. Before choosing your own trademark, conduct a search for existing trademarks that may be similar and determine whether you’ll be able to achieve exclusive rights.
With a registered trademark, you can stop others from using your name, logo, slogan, and trademark to market similar goods and services to your own. Or, if you wish to licence others to be able to use of your trademark in connection with your goods and services, you can do so under your terms and for a fee (royalty) that you choose. This can be a great way to retain control of your brand yet generate income.
Additionally, a registered trademark grants you the right to use the registered trademark symbol and refer to it as such. This small touch adds professionalism and inspires credibility by consumers. You’ve taken the steps to protect the trademark as your own which shows you care about the business and will be around for a bit. In fact, studies have shown that businesses with registered trademarks last an average of two years longer for every registered trademark.
There is no shortage of information to be found online as to the mechanics of how to register your trademark, however in the interests of covering all bases and peace of mind in knowing the legalities are all performed correctly, we strongly advise consulting with a professional solicitor for all aspects of setting up shop.