Before you go through the UK or European trademark registration process you first need to see if your trademark will be accepted and to check that is hasn’t already been taken by somebody else. This is why it is important to carry out a trademark search and register your trademark as soon as you start a company. If later down the line you carry out a trademark search and find that somebody has already registered the same trademark as you then you could be in legal trouble for infringing their trademark and this could lead to you having to change your business name.
There are companies that can carry out a trademark search on your behalf and who can do European trademark registration for you. Searching for and registering trademarks can be a tricky and complicated process if you don’t know what you are doing so to speed things up it is much easier to use the services of a company who specialises in trademarks. A trademark has to fulfil certain requirements as set out by the trademarks act 1994. Your trademark should not be a description or characteristic of your products or services that you provide under your brand name. It you sell chocolate then you couldn’t use ‘luxury chocolate’ as your trademark as that describes your goods. It is possible to have the same trademark as other companies as long as your trademark is offering completely different goods or services to theirs. A trademark search will show what other companies, if any are using the same trademark as you and what line of business they are in.
If you want to register a UK or European trademark then you cannot do so until you have carried out a trademark search on your proposed trademark. If the search is clear and your trademark meets all the necessary requirements and regulations then you can go ahead and register your trademark. You need to decide where you want it to be registered as if you are going to trade abroad you will need European trademark registration or even global trademark registration.
A trademark search can often be a long winded and arduous process and it is imperative that you receive a professional service. At simple-trademark.co.uk you will find your ideal European trademark!