How a trademark lawyer can help you

If you have a logo, brand or other mark which you would like to protect, you should speak to a trademark lawyer. A trademark lawyer can investigate whether your mark is suitable to be registered with the Intellectual Property Office. Only certain types of marks can be registered; there are rules about how specifically identifiable it is, and rules forbidding certain things. A trademark lawyer will also search the trademarks database to see whether a similar or identical mark has already been registered. If a similar or identical mark has been registered, a trademark lawyer will assess whether it is for similar or identical goods or services, and thus whether it is likely that your application may be opposed. It is important to have an experienced trademark lawyer to do this for you so as to avoid unnecessary costs if your application is rejected or opposed later in time. If no objections are raised and it isn’t opposed, it normally takes approximately six months to have your trademark registered. It may take longer if there are objections or opposition.

If someone else already has registered a similar or identical trademark you may be able to use or buy it in certain circumstances. If you want to use an existing registered trademark you will need to have the owner’s permission or you will risk legal action being taken against you for infringing their intellectual property rights. You may be able to approach the owner to agree upon a licence for its use. You may also be able to purchase the trademark rights and transfer or assign ownership. If you buy a trademark it is important to notify the Intellectual Property Office to ensure the rights are transferred to you, and a lawyer will be able to help you with this. Contact Law has a network of intellectual property solicitors across the UK who can help you.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on trademarks, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist intellectual property / trademark lawyer free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local intellectual property / trademark lawyers please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.