Your brand is an asset worth protecting: the first steps

Business owners invest a great deal of time and money in a name and logo customers recognise. Yet many only realise the importance of legal protection when a competitor appears with a similar name.

Start with a search

Before adopting a new name or logo, check that no similar marks are registered in the same field. This simple step can save you from rebuilding your identity later.

Essential steps to protect your brand

• Register the trademark in the classes that cover your current and planned activities.
• Make sure the company, not the designer or agency, owns the rights to the logo and designs.
• Use the mark consistently across all marketing materials.
• Watch the market for similar marks and act early.
• Put any licence to use the mark into a clear written agreement.

Protecting your brand isn't paperwork. It's an investment in the value of your business.

If your brand is infringed

If you notice someone using a similar mark, acting quickly matters. We usually start by assessing the strength of your legal position, then choose between negotiation, a formal notice and legal action depending on the case.