Do I already need a business licence to register a trademark?

Many celebrities, including Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, and, most recently, Miley Cyrus, have been showing interest in the metaverse with their newly registered trademarks. Metaverse is said to offer a new way to bring music or products to people who cannot physically attend their stores or concerts or who simply prefer to enjoy them from the comfort of their homes. What is behind this trend and why do celebrities find it so appealing?

People all over the world are using smartphones and tablets. As mobile app usage grows in popularity, the number of app downloads worldwide increases as well. The global mobile application market size was estimated at USD 187.58 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 206.73 billion in 2022[1]. The trend shows that more and more people prefer to use mobile devices over the traditional system, which means more businesses are transitioning their services to mobile-first software solutions. Trademark registration offers an effective mechanism for protecting the uniqueness of this vital asset of any business, including mobile apps.

Satirical adaptations of well-known brands have become a common thing and profitable market for many lesser-known companies. Besides being an effective mean to attract more customers, parody products can also be a good defence against trademark lawsuits, as in many cases, brand owners have limited options to enforce their rights against satirical adaptations.