How do you make sure that your trademark stays yours? The first step is to seek proper advice on how to register a trademark and obtain the best protection. Together, we will zoom into the trademark and your business. Based on this, we will develop a practical strategy whereby the protection tracks the development of your trademark.
We have over 25 years of experience with trademarks and we know the requirements for the most suitable registration. Rules may vary in different countries. Our knowledge and experience enable us to give you a good indication of what you can expect during the registration procedure. We will assist you and take care of all the work that needs to be done concerning the actual registration.
A good trademark is essential for marketing your product or service. It is all about recognition. Trademarks can be words, logos, images, designs, numbers, letters, packaging, shapes and also colours. There are more possibilities than you may think.
Not all trademarks can be registered. An important condition is that a trademark is distinctive. It is also better to avoid unnecessary details. Do not forget to include long-term business plans. Seek advice before you start. We will not hesitate to be honest when we think that the registration of your trademark is not doable or has no added value.
Most countries have their own registration procedures. Generally, the procedure works as follows: filing of the application, reviewing and publication. Once the trademark application has been published there is a period during which an opposition against the trademark may be filed. If everything goes well, the trademark will be registered. After 10 years the registration can be renewed.
This will depend on the country and whether or not an opposition is filed. In the Benelux a smooth registration procedure may take up to 4 months and in the European Union approximately 5 months. You will have protection as of the date the application was filed.
Registrations are done per country. The Benelux and the European Union are each considered as one territory. Another option is International Registration, which makes it possible to apply for a registration in more than 80 countries. This is also an interesting option from a financial point of view.
You may use ® to indicate that the trademark is registered. This is preventive and professional. The use of the symbol ™ has no legal status.
Eric is partner in Bakker & Verkuijl. He is a specialist in brand protection for more than 30 years and has extensive experience in EU and international procedures. Eric is a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney.
Astrid is founder and co-owner of Bakker & Verkuijl. She is a specialist in brand and design protection for more than 25 years and a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney.
In addition to trademark and design protection Adri also focuses on domain names. Adri is co-owner of Bakker & Verkuijl and a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney.
