If you have a business and have not yet registered for a trademark, you are undertaking a risk because someone else can register it and use it to push you out of business. Such a scenario may also prevent you from expanding your business due to legal hurdles caused by conflicting trademark. On the other hand, if you register your brand, you can take legal action against anyone operating with conflicting brands to compete with your brand. The trademark will start developing an intrinsic value once your business becomes successful.

Your business needs a symbol that will be easy for customers to remember. The symbols will represent your business's uniqueness and character and can largely influence customers looking to purchase products or services online or in a brick and mortar store. This guide will help you understand the process of trademark registration european union and the benefits it brings.

What is a trademark?

A trademark is a symbol, device, name, word, numeral or combination of both, used to identify and distinguish a seller's goods/services from others in the market. Since a trademark is typically the business name or company logo, you should ensure that they are unique and memorable to make it easier for customers to easily identify your business from others in the industry.

When should one register their trademark?

You should register your trademark when starting a business. You can initiate the trademark registration process before you even form the company. This will help you avoid the costly legal fees required to amend your company name if it infringes upon another company's registered trademark.

How long can one protect their trademark for?

Trademark protection in most countries lasts 10 years, starting from the date you made your application. You can renew the protection after every 10 years, for a long as you wish.

Owners of trademarks can sell them to others or allow them to use them through a trademark licensing agreement.

Trademark registration Europe

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), located in Alicante, Spain, is the institution in charge of trademark registration europe. A registered European Union Trademark offers protection in all European Union member states and territories like Finland, Aland Islands; French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Reunion in France; Azores and Madeira in Portugal and Canary Islands and Ceuta and Melilla in Spain. The registration process will take 6 months only, thanks to the European Union's short registration process.

Reasons why you should register a trademark

Below are some of the reasons why every business owner should register their trademark with the relevant authorities.

Legal protection

Since the law recognises a registered trademark as an intrinsic property, your business will enjoy protection from any person trying to bring you down using something similar. A trademark owner has the right to take legal action against any person who uses the trademark or something similar without their permission.

It builds value

Your trademark will grow in value once your business becomes successful. Since the value of your product/service is attached to the trademark, you can use it for monetary benefits like franchising or sell it.

It protects your business from future expenses

There is a high risk of losing your business name and brand if someone else hijacks it before you register it. The person may also claim damages for unauthorised use of their trademark. Losing your business name leads to other costs like the cost of renaming and rebuilding your brand to gain a good reputation among your customers.

Benefits of registering a trademark

Registering a trademark comes with several benefits, as explained below.

Exclusive rights

The owner of a trademark has exclusive rights over the trademark. You can use the dame trademark for all products under the applied class, plus you have the right to stop any unauthorised use of the trademark.

Helps customers differentiate your products from others

A trademark makes it easier for customers to differentiate your products from others in the market, giving you a competitive edge. Your business name and logo will also communicate your company's unique characters and vision to new customers.

Generation of revenue

A company that has grown its reputation can use it to secure investors and other business opportunities that can generate revenue, like franchising. The trademark owner can also allow another business to use their trademark as a form of business expansion.

Protection against infringement

Owners of a trademark have the right to sue others for using their name or logo registered under their name or something similar. This protects the business from any infringement of their exclusive rights by third parties.

Helps build trust and goodwill

Your trademark will help you build a loyal customer base by making it easier to identify the quality of your products or services. These customers will also recommend such products to others.