Trade Marks

Protect Your Brand with a Registered Trade Mark

Ensure your business name, logo, or slogan stands apart from competitors.

Without trade mark protection, competitors could copy your name or branding and mislead customers—taking away your business, damaging your reputation, and stunting your brand’s growth.

Understanding Trade Marks

A trade mark (or trademark) is a legally recognized sign used to distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another. Trade marks are most commonly names, logos, or combinations of both. For example, Coca-Cola®, McDonald’s® golden arches, or Ascot Martin® are all trade marks.

But it doesn’t stop there—trade marks can also include shapes, packaging, colours, sounds, or even scents if they distinguish a brand in the marketplace. Whether you sell cars, clothing, chocolates, or offer services like pharmacy, dry-cleaning, or legal assistance, a trade mark helps customers recognize your offerings.

In short, almost any good or service you sell can be protected with a trade mark.

The Value of a Trade Mark

Trade marks are the face of your brand. They’re how consumers know who you are and what you offer. When customers head to the supermarket to grab their favourite toothpaste or snack, it’s the trade mark on the packaging that assures them of what they’re getting.

Trade Marks vs. Patents vs. Copyrights

Feature	Trade Mark	Patent	Designs
Protects	Brand identifiers	Inventions	Visual appearance of products
Duration	Renewable indefinitely	Up to 20 years	Up to 10 years
Registration Needed?	Yes	Yes	Yes

Our Trade Mark Services

We offer end-to-end assistance with protecting your brand:

Comprehensive trade mark searches

Application preparation & submission

Handling objections or disputes

Trade mark portfolio strategy

Ongoing protection and renewal support

What Can Be Trade Marked?

Apart from the fact that a trade mark can be a powerful tool for standing out in a crowded market, it also plays a critical role in how a business communicates with its customers. A trade mark can be just about anything that signals the origin of goods or services—this includes not just names and logos, but also taglines, distinctive colours, packaging styles, sounds, or even shapes associated with a brand.

In many cases, these elements are the very things customers remember and look for when making a purchase. By trade marking these identifiers, a business can ensure exclusive rights to their use, reinforce brand loyalty, and legally prevent others from using similar elements that could confuse consumers.

Trade marks are not just legal shields—they're strategic assets that contribute to the long-term value and identity of a business.

Why Conduct a Trade Mark Search?

Before applying for a trade mark, it’s crucial to check if someone else already holds a similar or identical one. A thorough trade mark search:

Is It Worth Applying for a Trade Mark?

Applying for a trade mark is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect the identity of your business. With relatively low government fees and long-term protection (renewable every ten years), the investment is minimal compared to the value it provides. A registered trade mark gives you exclusive legal rights to use your name, logo, or brand elements, helping you prevent others from imitating your identity and confusing your customers. It also strengthens your position in legal disputes, boosts your business credibility, and can even increase the value of your brand as an asset. In today’s competitive marketplace, having a trade mark isn’t just about protection—it’s about giving your brand the recognition, trust, and leverage it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a trade mark?

A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes your goods or services from those of others. It can be a name, logo, slogan, or even a sound or colour.

Do I need to register a trade mark?

While not mandatory, registering gives you legal rights and stronger protection against infringement.

How long does trade mark protection last?

A registered trade mark can last indefinitely as long as it’s renewed every 10 years.

What if someone else is using a similar name?

A trade mark search can help determine potential conflicts. Legal advice is recommended before proceeding.

How much does it cost to register a trade mark?

Costs vary depending on the number of classes and complexity, but it’s generally affordable.

Let’s Talk About Protecting Your Brand

Don’t leave your brand unprotected. Talk to us today about how to secure your identity with a registered trade mark.