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Don’t risk your business by not protecting your name. We provide you with a discounted service that checks any existing prior legal rights in your name and helps protect your identity for the future of your business.
Dr. Roman Cholij is a registered UK and European Trade Mark Attorney from Cam Trade Marks & IP Services. He works as adviser to Business Link East and East of England International and is an accredited lecturer and presenter for the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys and the Licensing Executives Society (LES) International. He is chairman of the Brand Committee of the LES Britain and Ireland.
Working with O4RB, Roman is providing a regular Trademark and IPR drop-in clinic provide members with a completely free consultation service and he is also providing us with an integrated basic tradename search so that we can take that first step to securing the IPR that we have worked so hard to achieve. To take advantage of this, simply complete the form below and let us do the rest for you.
For more information visit Roman's website. We give free initial advice so feel free to contact us on 01223 353299 or email us
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Click on the Read More Link for our FAQ sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trade mark?
A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes one undertaking from another so that a customer knows where to go for a purchase or repeat purchase of goods or services. The most common trade marks are words or logos.
What makes a good trade mark?
A good trade mark is something that is memorable and not descriptive of your area of business. Thus ‘Financial Advisory Services’ for financial information services is neither memorable nor protectable as a registered trade mark. ‘Orange’ for telecommunications is. ‘KODAK’ has been a very successful trade mark having been completely made up.
Is my registered company name a trade mark?
A registered company name can be used as a trade mark but having a registered company name does not automatically give you rights to trade under it in the market place as there may be third party legal rights prohibiting use.
How do I know if I can trade under a particular name?
You should first do an availability search to make sure there is no identical or similar protected mark for identical or similar goods or services. Earlier rights might be found in UK, European Community or International Registrations with protection in the UK. Our attorney can undertake a search for you and indicate whether or not your trading name is free to use.
What could happen if I traded under a name without first checking it?
If a third party had earlier rights they could sue for an injunction (to stop you trading under the name), require you to re-brand, changing your website and all your stationery and marketing literature, and even require you to destroy all your goods or packaging where the name is printed. In addition, damages may be awarded against you as well as legal costs
Should I register my trading name?
If your name is free to use you should consider registration in order to protect it and to help stop others from using anything similar in your area of business. Your trading name may also in time become an independently valuable asset as a recognisable brand which you can sell or license.
Does my domain name give me any protection?
Unfortunately not. A domain name is an internet address first and foremost. If it is being used as a trading name then you can also get this registered as a trade mark. You should also always try to get the domain name of the trade mark you are registering.
How do I register a mark?
We can help you with that. We have provided you with the tools to give us the essential information in order to get going. Goods and services are divided into 45 classes and there is a separate fee for each class above one. Our attorney will contact you if more information is needed or you can contact him with any queries.
How long does it take to get a registration?
Usually around six months. There is also a fast track application process (which is more costly, but ask us for details if interested). In a small number of cases there are hold-ups due perhaps to an examiner’s objection over some matter or third party objections, but these happen only in a minority of cases. The effective date of protection, however, is retrospective from the date when the application is filed.
How long does a registration last?
Trade mark registrations are valid for 10 years after which they need to be renewed by payment of a Government fee. Potentially they can last forever, unlike all other forms of Intellectual Property.
Will my registered trade mark allow me to stop others in other countries from using my name?
Trade mark rights are territorial. In order to get protection in other countries you will need separate filings. If you are considering trading in other territories the same considerations concerning availability and protection described in this FAQ for the UK also apply. Before you trade abroad it is important to check your legal position regarding your trading name. Our attorney can help you with this and with foreign protection.
Is there a simple way of getting protection in the EU?
Yes, there is. In order to protect your name in Europe there is a system called ‘The Community Trademark’ (CTM) where you have protection in (currently) 27 jurisdictions for the price of one registration administered by an EU body called OHIM (The Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market) based in Alicante, Spain. Our attorney can get this protection for you.
What should you do if you suspect someone is using your name without authorisation?
They may be in infringement of your rights. Talk to our attorney and he will advise you of your rights and the first steps you should take.
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