Trade Mark Protection Strategies

We will work closely with you to review your existing portfolio on a regular basis, including periodic reviews of specifications of goods and services, to ensure that you have optimum cover for your trade marks.

We will assess whether your core brands and product names are covered, and also review any new marketing activities and new branding activities to ensure that all elements of your brands are protected.

We will assess whether the territorial coverage reflects the current activities of the various areas of your business and any expansion plans and consider whether there is any trimming of the portfolio which can be done to free up additional budget for new projects in the future. We will advise on defensive registrations in order to increase your success in any trade mark oppositions.

Registration is of particular importance in territories which have a ‘first to file’ rather than a ‘first to use’ approach to trade mark rights. Such territories only recognise rights acquired through registration, not rights acquired simply through use of a trade mark. However, even in territories which do recognise rights acquired through use, it is much more difficult and expensive to enforce use rights than it is to enforce registered rights. We will advise you on the right strategy for your business and use our extensive international network of contacts to put in place the appropriate applications.