For most new entrepreneurs, trademarks are among the most relevant forms of intellectual property protection because they are directly linked to brand identity.
For example, if an entrepreneur has developed a business name, logo or brand for their products and services, trademark registration may grant exclusive rights to use that sign for the registered classes of goods or services, subject to applicable laws.
Signs that may generally be considered for registration include:
● Logos
● Words
● Specific shapes
● Combinations of several elements
● Smells
● Sounds
● Colours
● Sequences of movements
● Holograms
Registration is subject to the requirements set by MyIPO.
Basic Steps for Applying for Trademark Registration
- Identify the mark to be protected
Entrepreneurs need to decide whether they wish to protect:
● The brand name only;
● The logo only; or
● A combination of the name and logo.
This choice is important because the scope of protection depends on the mark applied for.
- Conduct a preliminary search
Before submitting an application, entrepreneurs are encouraged to carry out a search to check whether an identical or similar trademark has already been registered or applied for by another party.