Three Big Trademark Mistakes
How much productive time will you lose, if you have to step away
from business to deal with one of these common problems?
LAWSUITS FOR INFRINGEMENT
Small business owners usually don’t have time to thoroughly check for conflicting trademarks, especially in faraway places or related fields. You’re too busy working on sales! We will help you avoid this first (very common) trademark mistake. First by doing a good search for competing brands. Then by helping register your own strong trademark. This will avoid accidentally infringing someone else’s brand, and risking lawsuits when you can least afford it.
COPYCATS AND COUNTERFEITS
Without a registered trademark, you’ll miss out on the rights granted under the Trade Marks Act 1995. That includes the exclusive use of your trademark in Australia, for your specified goods and services. You also gain the right to assistance from Customs against imports of counterfeits from overseas. Without these rights, you may have to pursue copycats through expensive court actions under common law or the Australian Consumer Law.
LOST BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Will you be ready when it’s time to expand your business, or sell it? Lenders and buyers will insist on ‘due diligence’ to confirm all is in order. Having registered your trademark will make this go more smoothly. First, because your trademark is a valuable asset. Second, it’s evidence you aren’t infringing another brand. And remember, a trademark takes at least 7.5 months from filing to grant. You don’t want that sort of delay when seeking finance or a sale.