Trade Mark Articles
Here’s a selection of trade mark articles and other information. We hope they will be of interest to our clients – past, present and future. Likewise, if you’d like to see your company’s team or products featured here, please let us know. Because of course we’d be delighted to share the news. Even more importantly, we’re always looking for ways to lend a hand.
Business Names Versus Trade Marks
Business names versus trade marks – aren’t they pretty much the same thing? No, not at all. Only a registered trade mark can prevent unauthorised use by others. Your business name registration may be a statutory requirement in Australia, but it confers no legally enforceable intellectual property right to use that name. In that respect, […]
When To Apply For A Trade Mark?
When to apply for a trade mark? Before someone else beats you to it! Granted, in Australia the owner is the first person to use the trade mark. But in China, it’s the first person to register it. Other countries vary. That’s why it’s so important to get your trade mark sorted out early, and […]
What Can’t I Trademark?
You can’t trademark ideas that are too close to existing trade marks. Nor words that merely describe your goods or services. By themselves, no place names, generic words or expressions common in your trade. Nothing that’s offensive. And certain items are regulated under legislation (eg the Olympic Insignia). There are other things you can’t trademark, […]
What Are The Advantages Of Registering A Trade Mark?
Trade Mark Advantages Wondering about the trade mark advantages you’ll get by registering your brand name or logo? Here are a few of the main ones. A Business Asset First, your trade mark is a business asset. You can sell or license it, which could potentially bring you an income stream even after you retire. […]
What Can You Trademark?
What can you trademark? There is no exhaustive or prescribed list in the Trade Marks Act 1995. Words and logos (or combinations of them) are the most commonly registered trade marks. It’s also possible to register letters, phrases, pictures, shapes, packaging or combinations of these. It’s relatively uncommon (but still possible) to trademark colours, sounds […]