Trademark Registration: Protecting Your Brand, Step by Step

The first step is to have a discussion about your brand and what you want to achieve with it. We can discuss what to protect e.g. brand name, logo, slogan etc. While doing so, we make sure to clarify our understanding of your business and how we will develop the strategy for registration.

Prior to making an application for registration, we conduct a trademark search. This step is very important as you will know if the name or logo you want to trademark is questionable, or perhaps already registered. We conduct the search by searching the Canadian trademark database as well as other national and international trademark registration databases. This is to ensure you comply with any international obligations before you proceed further.

Once we confirm that your trademark is available, we will begin to prepare the application by obtaining the necessary documents and confirming you have accurate and complete information. Then, we will submit your trademark application to the appropriate trademark office based on your needs in a Canadian, U.S. or international market.

Once your trademark application is submitted, you could receive a request for additional information (from the trademark office), or you could receive updates verifying the status of your application. Wherever there is progress in your application, we will keep track of the progress and respond to any communication from the trademark office in a timely manner so that there are no delays in your application pending your response and that your application is processed smoothly. In the event we receive any concerns during the review of your application, we will discuss the issues with you to develop a response, and respond to the trademark office, and reply in a timely manner such that your application is processed efficiently.

Once your trademark application is approved, you will receive official registration. Your official registration offers you rights to exclusively identify your name, logo, or other protected elements of your brand. Following your approval and registration, we will provide to you all the necessary documentation and advice to ensure you properly understand the rights you have as a registered trademark owner.

There are several ongoing obligations related to trademark protection that must be adhered to if you want your trademark to remain valid. Our trademarking specialists can assist you with identifying renewal due dates and additional filings that may be required to keep your trademark alive. We can also continue to support you if you face trademark infringement issues or any legal problems, in both instances to ensure that your brand is safe in the long-term perspective.