Creatives, here are 3 reasons why you should register your trademark
If you’re a Namibian creative, it’s probably time to own your mark and protect your brand.
By that I mean trademark your brand.
I’ve heard horror stories about work being stolen, used without pay or consent, other people using your brand name to get deals. I know of someone who had to change their brand name because someone else had the same name/similar.
What if I told you you could prevent all that mess by trademarking your brand. Not convinced? Let me share some benefits of why you should at least consider it:
1. Trademarking stops unauthorised use of your brand
The main reason for people trademarking their brands is to secure their name, logo, and slogans from being copied. Once you have your brand registered as a trademark, you can sue for infringement anyone who is unauthorised to use your creative property.
It also deters other companies from using a similar name or logo.
2. Legal Security
Not only does trademarking protect your own brand, but it protects you from getting sued as well. If you infringe on someone else, you could be in legal trouble. Your brand being registered can help protect you from a lawsuit, because you already went through a process to make sure no other companies had the same or similar name or marks.
3. You can use the symbol, “®” after your trademark
For me this the best part. Makes me feel so profesh! Lol
When you trademark something, you can put the registered symbol next to your intellectual property. When others see this, they are less likely to take your ideas or use your work without consent. It also means your brand stands out among competitors.
Where do you start, you ask? Worry less, I got you. Or rather BIPA does.
You would basically start with search on the availability of your brand, name etc. After which you will start the application process by filling in forms and so on. All the details on the process you can find here: How to apply
Here’s a quick diagram explaining it all.
The best part is that it is only renewable after ten years especially because the total cost of getting your brand trademarked is only about N$ 1500.
I think that’s a win!
So, go on guys! Let’s get our brands trademarked!
Follow BIPA to learn more about Trademarks and all things Business & Intellectual Property