Trade Marks: Overview of procedure and fees

It goes without saying that it is extremely important to protect your brand and the trade marks signifying it. Registration of your trade marks will serve to deter potential infringement and will offer an easy remedy in instances of actual infringement. Registering your trade marks correctly and securing adequate protection can, however, be a daunting task without expert assistance.

In this article, the trade mark registration process, the options one has when registering a trade mark, and trade mark registration fees will be discussed.

Why should one consider registering a trade mark

Trade mark registration is, in essence, the process of obtaining statutory protection for the slogan, name, or logo that distinguishes your brand from other brands. Trade marks may be used without being registered as such, and the common law serves to protect unregistered trade marks. Common law protection is, however, much more difficult and costly to enforce as the burden orfproof and resultant costs are much higher, whilst a trade mark registration  is prima facie evidence of the owner’s right to the use of the mark.