Registering a Trade Mark for an Office Supply Company
Angus
Having a registered trade mark can give you certain exclusive rights as a business owner. One of the most common things that individuals try to protect with a registered trade mark is the name of their products. Registering a trade mark for a product protects its distinctive name and distinguishes it as something unique to your business. In addition, a trade mark for your product is the most efficient way to ensure that no other firm can compete with you by selling comparable items or items using your brand name. This is important in a competitive market, like the office supply market. Without a registered trade mark, competitors might take advantage of the reputation you have developed for your business. This article will highlight some key considerations before registering a trade mark for your office supply company.
Do Other Office Supply Companies Use a Similar Trade Mark?
If you wish to use a specific word, logo, or sign as a trade mark in your firm, you must first check to see if another business has already registered it. If another business has registered an identical or similar trade mark, you cannot use it. Therefore, you should conduct a trade mark search.
A trade mark search is more than just using a standard search engine before applying. You must be thorough in your search, and ensure that you are searching any combination of trade marks that might be similar to yours.
To verify this, you can use IP Australia’s trade mark search. IP Australia, the Australian government organisation in charge of managing the trade mark registration system, maintains a database of trade marks that are:
- registered;
- pending;
- lapsed; and
- denied.
Alternatively, you can use IP Australia’s TM Headstart service to request an examination of your trade mark’s registrability. This service comes at a cost, but will ensure that your trade mark is eligible for registration. When using the trade mark search, make sure you search for trade marks registered under trade mark class 16 (which covers paper and office goods).
Remember that a trade mark lawyer has access to many more resources and has significant expertise in ensuring that you have searched all potentially similar trade marks, providing you with the best possible chance of success during your application process.
How Long Will the Registration Process Last?
You should ask a lawyer about the time it takes to conduct a trade mark search, and then prepare and file your trade mark application. After you apply for a trade mark, IP Australia will take some time to respond. You will need to wait at least seven months from the date of your application until your trade mark is registered. However, you should expect it to take longer if IP Australia receives any oppositions to your trade mark.
How Many Classes and Separate Trade Marks Do I Need?
As previously mentioned, you must register a trade mark under a class of goods or services. You probably have a solid idea of what kind of goods you are offering as the owner of an office supply company. However, deciding which class to register your trade mark under might be challenging. You may not realise it, but your trade mark may be registered in several different classes. Registering your trade mark in multiple classes might provide additional protection, but you should steer clear of registering your trade mark in too many classes. This will cost your business more money than is necessary as you will need to pay for each class.
Key Takeaways
Before deciding to register a trade mark for your office supply company, you should consider what makes your office supplies distinctive, and come up with a creative and memorable trade mark for your brand. After this, conduct a trade mark search, and ensure that you are thorough in looking for any similar trade marks. Once you do this, you are ready to apply for your trade mark. Make sure you are aware of the timeline of the process, as it might take several months to get your trade mark. If you have any questions about registering a trade mark for your office supply company, get in touch with our experienced trade mark lawyers on 1300 657 423 or fill out the form on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can trade mark in as many classes as you like. Remember, however, that each additional class costs money, so only register for the necessary classes.
IP Australia’s trade mark search is the best place to find thorough information about trade marks. You can also use the internet to conduct a surface level search.