If you are manufacturing goods or offering a service. Potential customers see or hear about a trademark and they remember the goods or services associated with it. Your trademark distinguishes you from other people in the same line of work, and gives you an identity in the market place.

Think of a brand name, slogan or logo for your goods or services. Be creative! Think of something distinctive that people will remember. Do not simply describe your goods or services; this will not serve to distinguish your business from other businesses with the same goods and services.

Nobody else may use your trademark, or one that is confusingly similar. If this happens, you may take legal action.

A registered trade mark can be protected forever, provided you renew every ten (10) years upon payment of the prescribed renewal fee.

A trademark is a brand name, a slogan or a logo. It identifies the services or goods of one person and distinguishes it from the goods and services of another. A brand name is a word or combination of words (e.g. Kentucky Fried Chicken). A slogan is a short phrase or a sentence and a logo is a distinctive picture or symbol. They provide a distinctive identity in the marketplace and can apply to both products and services.Examples below:

Yes. The trademark database is not linked to the company database and a separate search will be done, upon request and at additional cost.

We will do your search within 24 hours after verification of payment, unless circumstances prevent us from doing so.

Not necessarily. Your application will be subjected to examination at the Registrar’s office and the criteria they apply to judge the validity of your application. Please read the information we attach to your search results carefully.

The registrar will examine your trademark plus minus 12 months after filing.

No, you can start using your trademark after you have received the filing receipt and number from the trademark office.

Unfortunately not. We spend extensive time and resources to give you the best possible service. However, subsequent follow-up searches are offered at special rates.

No, the Trade Marks Act requires only a bona fide intention to use the mark. If you do not use the trade mark for a period of 5 years, it may become vulnerable to expungement (removal) upon application by a third party.

No, your registration will only offer protection in the territory you have registered it in.

It does not. If you want to apply for overseas protection you must approach a trade mark attorney in the relevant country to register the trade mark for you.

A trade mark cannot be filed in all 45 classes just to keep out competitors. But if you intend the mark in all 45 classes, you can apply for registration in all the classes.