Trademark for new company??

[Ethansmum]

Hello,

I have just launched a website called Northern Ireland Mums Online and am wondering if it would be necessary to have it trademark protected? I would really appreciate your expert advice.

Many thanks,

Gilly

[SolsburyHill]

Presumably its about Mums from Northern Ireland and the services/information is provided online, if so in the absence of a large amount of use or a logo you might have problems registering it as its descriptive. However, if you can register a trade mark you should, but its not a legal requirement to do so and you will build up passing off rights via use.

These links may help in your deliberations:-

http://www.pinsentmasons.com/Default.aspx?page=1205

http://www.out-law.com/page-343

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-applying/t-should.htm

[steviemac]

Hello,

I have just launched a website called Northern Ireland Mums Online and am wondering if it would be necessary to have it trademark protected? I would really appreciate your expert advice.

Many thanks,

Gilly


have a small website trademarked? lol...I don't think you need to worry about that Gilly. ;)

[Ethansmum]

that's true, i dont think that i need worry about it...

Gilly
www.nirelandmumsonline.co.uk/ (http://www.nirelandmumsonline.co.uk/)

[steviemac]

Hi Gilly, heres a bit of feedback on your site -

It's a little disorganised, the layout is confusing, I think you should have someone redesign it honestly. Plus you have to sideways scroll...people hate that! Why don't you add in google adsense ads to generate a little bit of revenue?

The biggest problem with websites is not building them, its getting people to come unfortunately (I run a few sites myself). Its tough going, I honestly dont think at the minute you are going to get anyone paying £100 for a years subscription.

It's a decent enough idea though, if it looked more appealing, it could work for you.

Regards
Stephen

[Ethansmum]

Thanks Stephen for your feedback. I am doing the best I can but do not have the budget to hire a designer to do my site.

Can I ask a question please, would you know how I can introduce a way so that members can upload their own ads (kind of like how they do on the likes of ebay for example) and also, how to include a build your own shop?

I would love you advice as you seem to know what you are talking about.


Thanks!

Gillian

[steviemac]

Hi Gillian,

you have one thing going for you, you are highly ranked for search terms like 'northern ireland mum' on Google. So that's a good start, means people can find you anyway.

I think the main problem is your site's appearance, its unappealing, hard to navigate and it looks a bit amateurish, that makes people close the window quickly.

I think you should look at installing a social network script, which has everything you need, eg http://www.iscripts.com/socialware/index.php

this incorporates a forum, classifieds, events listings, photo album...everything you need for your website probably, plus it will look much more professional. Its only about £60, which is not expensive.

This kind of script will transform your site and save you adding on little bits and pieces and functions as bolt -ons.

I am only suggesting this script, I am not affiliated to it in any way...:-)

I have used these sort of things before.

REgards
Stephen :-)

[Ethansmum]

Hi,

I have started working on my site's appearance and contents. I cant afford to buy that iscripts at the moment but will look into html coding etc and see what I can find.

Any more tips and advice would be very much appreciated!

Gillian
gillian_lamont@yahoo.co.uk

[Ethansmum]

Hi Gillian,

you have one thing going for you, you are highly ranked for search terms like 'northern ireland mum' on Google. So that's a good start, means people can find you anyway.

I think the main problem is your site's appearance, its unappealing, hard to navigate and it looks a bit amateurish, that makes people close the window quickly.

I think you should look at installing a social network script, which has everything you need, eg http://www.iscripts.com/socialware/index.php

this incorporates a forum, classifieds, events listings, photo album...everything you need for your website probably, plus it will look much more professional. Its only about £60, which is not expensive.

This kind of script will transform your site and save you adding on little bits and pieces and functions as bolt -ons.

I am only suggesting this script, I am not affiliated to it in any way...:-)

I have used these sort of things before.

REgards
Stephen :-)

Hi Stephen,

I hope that you do not mind me contacting you but I would love to have your feedback on my site as I have made some changes and you know what you are talking about :-D

Many thanks!!

Gilly
http://www.nirelandmumsonline.co.uk

[Johnathan1707]

Try building your site with wordpress. It's free and there are lots of free themes and plugins to add lots more functionality to it.

[Joanney]

Hi there!

This might not be applicable to you now, but in the future, should you ever wish to consider registering your trademark....

We're a local law firm business based in Downpatrick, County Down and we offer free advice on trademarks and designs and a free search (UK and EU registry databases) to check if your trademark is registered.

Please visit: trademarkdesignprotection.com for more info (This service is provided by IP Specialists, Fordelaw)

I hope this is of use. :)