Overview

Trade Mark Registration

Your brand name, logo, or tagline — that’s what customers remember. It’s what sets you apart. A registered trade mark gives you the legal right to own it, use it exclusively, and stop others from riding on your reputation. Without registration, you’re relying on goodwill alone, and that’s a much harder (and more expensive) position to defend.

We handle the entire registration process from start to finish. You tell us what you want to protect, and we take care of the rest.

Why bother registering?

Put simply: registration gives you a legal monopoly over your brand for the goods and services you offer. Without it, you’d need to prove years of reputation in court just to stop a copycat — and even then, the outcome is uncertain. A registered trade mark is a clear line in the sand. It deters imitators, adds real value to your business, and gives you something you can license, sell, or use as security.

What makes a strong trade mark?

The best trade marks are distinctive — they don’t describe what you do, they identify who you are. Made-up words (think KODAK) and unexpected words (APPLE for computers) are the strongest. If your brand name describes your product or uses common industry terms, it’s going to be harder to register. We’ll tell you upfront whether your mark has legs, and if it doesn’t, we’ll help you find something that does.

How the process works

Clearance searches: Before we file anything, we check whether your mark is available. There’s no point applying for something that’s going to run into an existing registration.
Filing strategy: We work out which classes of goods and services you need, making sure you’re covered properly without paying for protection you don’t need.
Examination: IP Australia reviews the application. If they raise objections — and they often do — we deal with them. That’s what we’re here for.
Acceptance and registration: Once accepted, the mark is advertised for two months. If nobody opposes it, you’re registered. Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Getting the classes right

Trade marks are registered by class — there are 45 of them covering everything from clothing to software to restaurant services. Picking the right ones matters. Too narrow and you’ve got gaps in your protection. Too broad and you’re paying for coverage you’ll never use (and might lose for non-use). We draft specifications that reflect what you actually do and where you’re headed.

How long does it take? What does it cost?

A straightforward Australian application usually takes around 7 to 8 months from filing to registration. Costs depend on how many classes you need and whether any issues come up during examination. We give you a clear quote upfront — no surprises.

Going international

Trade mark rights stop at the border. If you sell overseas — or plan to — you need protection in those countries too. We can file directly in individual countries or use the Madrid System, which lets you apply in over 130 countries through a single application. Either way, we’ll map out a strategy that matches your expansion plans and your budget.

Trade Mark Registration