1. When should a new enterprise register its trademark?
The answer is: the sooner the better!
When you think of a name for a company or product, you should consider whether it can be registered as a trademark. Otherwise, you may spend a lot of effort on it, but in the end you can only be an illegitimate child, unable to get the official status recognized by the state, or simply make a wedding dress for others, and spend a lot of money, but the consumer legally marries someone else's goods.
2. How to choose the most suitable trademark registration category?
I suggest that you divide the categories to be registered into three categories: core categories; Extended categories; National defense category.
The core category is a registered category that must be grasped. Take the common Internet companies in all creative enterprises as an example. The categories you need to register must include:
Class 09, computer hardware, software, etc.
Category 35, advertising service, business information consultation, business management, etc.
Class 42, design and development, computer programming and related services, website hosting, etc.
Followed by:
Class 38, communication services;
4 1 category, organize and arrange activities, entertainment activities, etc.
Category 16, paper media products;
These are the core categories that need to be registered.
If your "internet plus" enterprise wants to do the food industry, you need to consider registering the 29th and 30th related categories on the basis of the above categories. This is an extended category.
Also, if you don't want consumers to think of pesticides or sex products when buying the food you want to sell, you can consider registering Category 5 and Category 10 as defense categories to prevent others from taking advantage of you and damaging your honor.
3. Looking for a trademark agent or going into battle by yourself?
Both will do.
Going into battle by yourself can save extra agency fees and be familiar with the routine of dealing with relevant departments. However, you also need to be responsible for the risks of registration. When you submit the registration materials, the Trademark Office will need several months to review whether it is approved or not. If you are rejected, you will have to bear the losses for several months. Finding a professional trademark agent can save you the trouble of running errands and increase the probability of excessive trademark review.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so decide for yourself.
4. How to treat the rejection of trademark registration?
Whether you register your own trademark or entrust an agent to register, it is not uncommon to be rejected. Don't believe the story that any organization promises 100% successful registration. Only they know what the Trademark Office, which is responsible for the final examination, thinks, and even they may not know it themselves. However, with your own experience, the organization knows your heart better than you, which is for sure.
5. What should I do if I encounter a trademark dispute?
When you find that your long-used name and LOGO have been maliciously registered by others, you need to collect evidence to get it back. If you find that your registered trademark has been infringed by others, two words: sue him! There are many cases of trademark disputes, and many times you can't avoid them if you want to. If it happens, don't hold the mentality of "it's shameful to go to court". It is normal for commercial society to go to court aboveboard.
Finally, let's go back to the answer to the question 1: trademark registration, the sooner the better. Otherwise, the troubles and losses you may suffer in the future will definitely make you regret your temporary slack.
Trademark protection