.

In this age of cut-throat competition in every single industry around the world, it becomes extremely difficult for businesses to protect their brand in the market place. Brands need to establish themselves to increase their goodwill. One way of protecting your brand is by registering a trademark. With the help of a successful trademark registration, a business ensures there is no one that can harm the brand identity with means such as counterfeiting and infringements because the business can now protect its intellectual property legally.

The Covid-19 pandemic had everyone in shambles, with the entire world coming at a halt. Businesses and people from all walks of life were affected, everyone got disoriented. With the introduction of vaccines, things are finally coming back to normal and businesses have started to operate in their full capacity. With new businesses and brands being launched, it is of utmost importance now to register for a trademark!

The Steps to Trademark Success

To understand how you can protect your business through trademark registration in 2021, let us have a look at the basic steps involved which will serve as a guide for you.

Step 1: Brainstorming

The first and foremost is to do proper brainstorming regarding which brand of yours is suitable enough to be registered under a trademark. This is done with all departments coming together and giving their input.

Step 2: Shortlisting

Once every department has provided their feedback, you can list down all the candidates for a trademark registration.

Step 3: Basic Search

The next step is to conduct a basic search to see if your trademark is capable enough to be registered in the first place (if your trademark candidate is strong enough).

Step 4: Comprehensive Search

Apart from the basic search, it is important to see if your trademark is available or not. This is done through an extensive search.

Step 5: Professional Review

After an extensive search and finalizing your trademark, it is important to get your trademark approved by a trademark professional to make sure everything is error free.

Step 6: Trademark Filing

Once everything is aligned, you can start with the filing of your trademark application. The application process differs from country to country. Depending on where you live, a licensed attorney might be required.

Step 7: Trademark Use

After you have successfully registered your trademark, use it to your advantage. You will have increased authenticity and protection.

Step 8: Trademark Validity and Renewal

It is important to keep a check on your trademark’s validity, and also to check if there are potential infringers in the market. This will allow you to take necessary action against counterfeiters and will allow you to renew your registration as well.

With things coming back to normal, businesses are registering trademarks frequently and this has increased the commercial value of trademarks. Brands are more aware of their legal identity and seek legal protection to keep infringers away. 

Getting a successful trademark registration done also depends on the country you are living in. The process and cost of applications vary from country to country. Some countries have an extensive process to file an application while others require relatively fewer steps in the entire procedure.

The success of the application also depends on a number of factors. First, keep in mind that your trademark must comply with the rules and regulations of the countries where you operate. Otherwise, your trademark registration application can be rejected. Secondly, depending on the country you are seeking trademark registration in, a local power of attorney of that country may be required to successfully process the application. 

Regardless if you intend to trademark your brand’s name or slogan, anything you trademark should be unique. Consumers want something that resonates with them, something they feel they can connect with. If your customers feel that the brand is unique and it also has a trademark registration done, it will establish a sense of authenticity of your brand.

Final Thoughts on Trademark Registration

All in all, it is vital to get a trademark registered to protect your brand’s identity. Your competitors will have an upper hand in the marketplace if you fail to get your trademark registered.

Keep your business’s intellectual property protected from infringers and counterfeits and gain legal protection against perpetrators. With the help of a successful trademark registration, you will improve your brand image and establish authenticity.