Your trade mark must distinguish your business’s goods and services from others if you intend to achieve instant registration. For this reason, IP Australia might reject a trademark application containing only a generic word or other generic elements. This is because the trade mark cannot distinguish the specified goods or services. To minimise your risk […]
Many business owners are surprised to know that their registered trade marks can be one of the most valuable assets within a business. A registered trade mark is a type of intellectual property that protects the features of a brand. Unlike a tangible fixed asset such as your business’ machinery, registered trade marks are intangible […]
If you operate a dance school, there are a few intellectual property protections you should consider. Namely, registered trade marks can protect the features of your dance school’s brand that distinguish it from other schools. In addition, you should consider copyright protection, and how this affects the music and dance movements you incorporate into your […]
A phrase as simple and short as ‘I’m lovin’ it’ can elicit a distinctive brand image in the minds of many consumers. Where you use a short phrase to distinguish your business’ goods and services from others in the market, you might consider registering it as a trade mark. A registered trade mark can give […]
A slogan can help differentiate your business from competitors and, therefore, be one of your most valuable assets. Like any valuable asset, you should take specific measures to protect your slogan. However, before you register your slogan as a trade mark, you should consider whether: your slogan is substantially identical or deceptively similar to another […]
If you have developed a unique fitness regime, you might begin to think about protecting your intellectual property. However, you should note that a registered trade mark cannot protect a new method of working out or the order of movements in a specific fitness regime. Instead, a registered trade mark can protect the features of […]
Many small business owners use registered trade marks to protect their intellectual property. Registered trade marks can protect the features of your brand that make it distinguishable. This is because a registered trade mark gives you the exclusive right to use, license and sell your trade mark concerning your business’ goods and services. To cut […]
A trade mark is any sign you use to distinguish your business’ goods and services from others. In this sense, a sign could be your business name, logo, colour, shape and sometimes a combination of these things. If you use a trade mark in the day-to-day operation of your business, you might consider registering your […]
When it comes to protecting your trade marks, using the appropriate trade mark symbol is important. By using the appropriate trade mark symbol, you are essentially notifying others that you are claiming your unique sign as a trade mark. However, many business owners are unaware of the potential issues that can arise if they misuse […]
Whether you own a registered trade mark or use a trade mark under a licensing agreement, there are a few ways you can breach trade mark law. Notably, the Trade Marks Act grants the owners of registered trade marks the exclusive right to use and authorise the use of their trade mark. If you infringe […]