What are trademarks?

A trademark is essentially a way of identifying and differentiating between the goods and services of one trader and another. It is a sign or symbol unique to your business which allows for instant recognition by the public of the origin, quality and consistency of your goods and services. A trademark is therefore a valuable long term asset in promoting brand recognition and loyalty. Trademarks basically sell products and services. It also enables action against anyone counterfeiting or copying a trademark for similar products and/or services. Registration gives the owner of the mark the exclusive right to use the mark for the products and/or services in question and also to sue others who infringe that right. Subject to renewal every ten years, the duration of a trademark may last indefinitely. It only becomes difficult to enforce against misuse by others if the trademark is not registered or if it is not used properly.

Click here to view the procedures to register a trademark

Click here to view the checklist for filing a new trademark application

Note : These documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files.

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