What is a trademark?

 

A trademark is usually defined as a source indicator. It is a symbol of quality that customers can rely on. It links your business with specific goods or services. It can be a name or a sign or a logo that is used on the products and services offered under your business. We come across trademarks and famous brands every day in our life, from the coffee or tea we drink, to the clothes we buy and wear and the phone we use to communicate with our family and friends.  You can own your very own trademark for your business if it is unique for your products and services.

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Why should I register my trademark?

 

Your trademark, when used in conjunction with your products and services, becomes a crucial part of your business’ identity. Customers buy your products and services because they can relate to your brand and business. So, the last thing that you, as a business owner, would want is to have a third party copy or steal your trademark and take your customers away from you. Simply put, would you allow anyone to borrow your car without permission? No. Neither should you stand by and watch someone else use your brand to your detriment, without consent. 

 

A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to your brand and the power to stop potential copycats from using your trademark without consent. A registered trademark deters the unauthorized of your trademark. Moreover, a trademark/brand, being an invaluable asset, can generate income for a business through licensing arrangements, distributorships or franchising deals. Trademark protection and rights are territorial in nature so taking prompt action in countries where your business is already selling or plans to sell your products or services is crucial.

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How can we help you? Our scope of trademark services include:

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• Developing a cost-effective trademark strategy.

• Trademark portfolio management in Southeast Asia.

• Trademark search to assess any potential risks prior to filing your trademark.

• Advising on NICE classification prior to filing your trademark.

• Trademark registration in different Southeast Asian jurisdictions. 

• Trademark renewal of a registration.

• Trademark opposition of published, confusingly similar marks.

• Trademark invalidation and revocation actions of registered trademarks.

• Drafting/negotiating co-existence agreements.

• Trademark watch/monitoring services of potentially similar trademarks.  

• Trademark infringement litigation and passing off actions against unauthorized use. 

• Drafting/responding to cease and desist letters.

• Updating a change in trademark ownership or name.

• Domain name registration and disputes such as cybersquatting and UDRP proceedings.