League of Lawyers’ Post

How to protect your business name and logo

Starting a business is exciting, but protecting it is essential. Registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) means your business name is yours alone. No one else can register or operate under it. But here’s where it gets even better, trademarking takes your protection to the next level. A trademark means that no one else can use your brand’s unique features, like your name, logo, slogan, or even a popular idea tied to your business. Think of it as locking in what makes your business your business. So, what’s special about your brand? A catchy tagline? An eye-catching logo? Whatever it is, make it yours and yours alone by trademarking it. Ready to secure your brand? Don’t let others profit from your creativity—trademark that idea, slogan, or logo today

Startip #54 ™️ To trade mark a word, logo or both ®️ This week I was approached about a cease and desist issued to a client who had used words that were already captured in a registered trade mark logo. The concern was whether the client would have to change their branding because they were infringing on some one else’s IP. So this got me thinking…. I will return to this story at the end. While trade marks are a very powerful tool, and are used to protect intellectual property rights when it comes to a name, logo, a slogan or even a colour or scent, there are times when it might not be possible to trade mark a word. In my opinion it is always best practice to register for both a word mark(s) and logo mark (this could be a stylised version of the word mark or it might incorporate an image - often referred to as device mark). The reason for this is that the word mark protects the actual words in any format - it doesn’t really matter what style, colour, font or size the words are. If you have a registered trade mark for those words, they are protected in any format. On the other hand, a logo is your brand identity, and should also be protected so that you have the exclusive right to its use, meaning you can prevent others (including your competitors) from using logos of a similar nature, particularly if their intention is to pass themselves off as being associated with your business by riding on the goodwill you have built to gain exposure to their brand. But there is a catch. Sometimes word marks cannot be registered. If your word is generic and descriptive i.e it is not distinctive, it will likely fail registration. This is because other traders should not be prevented from using the word(s) in the course of running their business. For example, if you wanted to call your business “Real Deal” it woukd be difficult to register those words as a trade mark as they are too generic and descriptive and other traders should be entitled to use them. That’s not to say you couldn’t register those words as a logo mark, particularly if they are contained within the logo itself and are not simply a stylised version of the words. Meaning the logo has some element to it that would distinguish it from those words alone. Returning to my story, my advice to my client was that there was no trade mark infringement as the trade mark that was apparently being infringed was of a logo that contained generic and descriptive words that my client was using in the course of trade. The trade mark referred to could only protect the other brand insofar as that logo was concerned and would prevent my client or any competitor from using a confusingly similar logo. While I am sure the other party did at one stage attempt to secure the words, they obviously failed in their pursuit. There are certain things you can do to get a word mark, even if generic and descriptive. If you want to know more, hit me up! #trademarks #wordorlogo #startips #lazaruslegal #riseabove

Your logo doesn’t matter, the name of your company doesn’t matter, and the colours on your website don’t matter. None of the things that you think matter, actually matter in the early days. All that matters is getting started and developing the habit of making decisions fast and moving on. What makes a business successful isn’t one action. It’s repeated actions over a long period of time.

Looking to create a fantastic logo for your business? Check out these helpful do's and don'ts to make your logo stand out!

❓Are you looking to rebrand your business❓ ✔️This could involve a new logo or even changing the name of your business! 🧐But please carry out your due diligence first into the new name or logo. 👀This would involve researching if there is already a business out there with the same or similar logo to the one you want. Also checking to see if the business name already exists. 🔑When it comes to Trade Mark Law, the logo or wording does not have to be exactly the same to infringe on someone else's rights. It just has to be similar! 💰Spending money on a new logo and branding to only have to stop using it could be costly for a business! So make sure you carry out those vital checks first! 📄It could save any issues further down the line! #business #branding #logo #rebranding #rebrand #trademarks #intellectualpropertyrights

Talk is cheap, Anytime I hear someone say "I am gonna start a company" I ask them what have they done so far They say "oh I am thinking of a good logo for my business" Just from hearing this, I know they're cooked... Logos aren't hard, any dummy can do it I made 3 logos in one of my study breaks in like 2 min. If you want to get your business of the ground you need knowledge because knowledge breeds action. Action is valuable. Dm me if you want to know how.

Throughout my conversations with numerous potential clients this week, it has become evident that many individuals are unaware of the strategic and market research aspects involved in branding. It is not solely about creating a logo and visuals. While this lady does touch on a few important points to consider, there is actually a lot more that goes into it. When you choose to work with us, we guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you not only receive a logo and other visual elements, but also a comprehensive brand guideline portfolio. #brandingdesign #brandidentity #branding #brandambassador #logodesigner #logo #logomaker #logotype #supportsmallbusinessowners #smallbusinessowner #coloradosmallbusinessnetwork #coloradobusinesses #coloradobusinessowner https://lnkd.in/gE-jjHMT