Trademark protection

Work and deliverables

We coordinate preliminary searches, application strategy, applicant evidence and the agreed filing or response stage. The official process includes examination and potential opposition; an application is not a guarantee of registration.

1. Identify the mark, intended owner and actual goods or services.
2. Organise the search brief and evidence of existing use.
3. Prepare the agreed application or response-stage documents.
4. Hand over submission records and a tracker for subsequent communications.

Keep each word mark, logo version and proposed product range identifiable. A design change during preparation should be recorded so the application brief matches what the business intends to use.

Documents for the initial assessment

• Proposed word or logo
• owner details
• goods/services description
• use history and evidence
• existing registrations
• known conflicts.

Index dated materials showing the mark used with the relevant goods or services, and identify the entity responsible for that use. Distinguish a proposed launch from actual use. Explain any earlier owner or group-company arrangement so the ownership question can be assessed before documents are prepared.

An issue to settle before committing

A company name or domain registration does not itself establish the same rights as a trademark registration. Consider the intended product and service categories before filing.

For example, a business may use its trading name on invoices but a different logo on packaging. Supply both versions and explain where each appears rather than assuming one description covers all uses. The agreed strategy should identify the particular marks and goods or services within scope.

Mandate and fees

Government fees, examination responses, opposition and enforcement are separately identified. Search results cannot guarantee that no conflicting rights exist.

Legal work uses a written matter-specific proposal. Do not send confidential documents through the public form; begin with a brief description and any material date.

The handover identifies the search scope, documents prepared, filing references and next communication to monitor. Examination, opposition, renewal and enforcement are tracked as different stages. The business should preserve its ongoing use evidence and notify the responsible adviser of material brand or ownership changes.