One of the best ways to protect your brand and your business is by registering a trade mark. A trade mark, also known as an Intellectual Property Mark, not only presents you as a credible and trustworthy business, but allows you to take legal action against people who use your trade marked property.
Learn how to trade mark a business name to set you up for success.
Benefits of trade marking a business name
For a relatively small cost, a trade mark will ensure that your branding is legally licensed and protected from counterfeiters or businesses trying to imitate your branding. A strong brand identity is an extremely valuable asset that makes your business recognisable, unique, and professional.
All highly successful companies have a registered business name and trade mark, such as Nike, Disney, and Virgin. But all businesses will benefit from securing their brand. It allows you to scale and grow your business without having your brand identity poached. Otherwise, you may be forced to change your business name or logo.
Applying for a trade mark
You can apply for a trade mark through the UK Intellectual Property Office. You can register trade marks for words, sounds, logos, colours, shapes, and images, but there are certain requirements you must fulfil to qualify.
Before you register, ensure that your branding is unique and the property you are trade marking has not been registered by another business. Search the trade mark database to check this. General words or icons describing your business will not be accepted, such as a fruit supplier called ‘Fresh Fruits.’ Your business trade mark also cannot be offensive or misleading, e.g. including the word ‘organic’ if your product is not organic.
When you apply for trade mark protection you will have to select one of 45 classes, which outlines your general industry, and a trade, which describes your specific niche. You can apply under multiple trades, but you must operate in each trade within 5 years of applying.
A trade mark lasts for 10 years, after which it must be reapplied for, and costs a minimum of £170. It normally takes a few months for your application to be approved, and once it is in force it is only applicable to the UK and Isle of Man. If you would like to protect your business in other countries, you will need to apply for a trade mark through these countries’ specific procedures.
For more advice on setting up or running your business, check out the Knowledge Hub.
