Registering a trademark does not only mean filling out a question. For an enterprise, the strategic part begins before the deposit: you have to understand what you want to protect, in which markets and for which products or services.
1. Define the sign
Name, logo and other elements of identity can have different protection requirements. Before depositing it is useful to decide which components represent the really important asset for the task.
2. Do an clearance search
Research is used to identify potentially relevant prior rights and reduce the risk of conflicts. However, it is not an absolute guarantee of recordability.
3. Choose classes and territory
Protection must be consistent with the products and services that the brand identifies and with the markets in which the company operates or plans to enter. The choice of classes must therefore be linked to the commercial strategy.
4. Verify ownership
Before the deposit it is important to clarify who will be the owner of the right and how the asset will be handled in the company project.
5. Deposit and manage the route
After the deposit, follow the steps provided by the competent office. The timing and possible reliefs or oppositions depend on the type of title and the territory.