
When should I register my trademark?
Timing is everything, and this is especially true when it comes to trademark registration. Choosing to trademark your brand at the right time is much more important than you would think.
According to the first-to-file principle, the owner of the mark who first files their application with the IP office has priority over anyone using the same/confusingly similar mark on the same market. Moreover, the owner has priority over anyone who wishes to register identical/confusingly similar marks for identical/similar goods and services within the same country. This rule applies even if a third party claims prior use of the trademark.
In first-to-file systems, the date of filing holds more importance than the first date of commercial use. For this reason, it is crucial to file your trademark application as soon as possible, even if you are not commercially active yet.
In general, the majority of countries adopt the first-to-file system. Countries that adopt this system include the EU, the UK, Brazil, China, Japan and others. Only a small percentage of countries adopt the approach based on first-to-use rights.
What is the price of an additional trademark class in the EU?
What is the price of an additional trademark class in the US?
What's the difference between a trademark, a patent and a copyright?
How much does the length of the trademark registration process differ between countries?
I found out my mark is similiar to an already existing trademark. What should I do?
Do I need to prove the usage of my trademark during the validity period?
How much does adding a class to my EU trademark application cost?
Is it possible to register a trademark with more than one owner?
Timing is everything, and this is especially true when it comes to trademark registration. Choosing to trademark your brand at the right time is much more important than you would think.
Many celebrities have taken the entrepreneurial path and have commenced branding programs using their intellectual property to sell a variety of goods and services. In order to do that, they first must register official trademarks — for their names, their children’s names, their catchphrases, and their song lyrics. Some of them are successful, and some are not. From Donald Trump’s catchphrase “You’re Fired” to Beyoncé registering the names of her children, here are seven most interesting things celebrities have tried to trademark.
Brands tend to evolve and undergo numerous changes over time. Many companies have changed their names to cater to a larger audience, either by altering their original logos for a more modern look or abandoning controversial words in their slogans. As the company expands beyond its planned offerings of goods and services or decides to take a different direction altogether, usually what follows are certain changes or even complete rebranding. A common question is then: can trademarks change over time? Well, it depends.
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