Protection name using IPO

[Peanut Butter Man]

Hello

While developing a new food product I have found a name that, so far, seems unregistered as a domain, companies house or with IPO.

I am in the process of having packaging designs and logo's designed and wonder if I would be better to wait to register my trade mark until I have maybe the logo or font complete or just get on with registering the trademark?

Thanks

 

[adamzany]

It would be better to just register your name in ordinary block capitals now, rather than wait, because there is always a risk that another party might get there before you.

www.trademarkregistration.org.uk

 

[Trademarkroom]

Indeed- you will have protected the name of your brand- which is of course crucial. You can then apply for a logo mark once it is ready.

 

[Peanut Butter Man]

Thanks Jane, I took from the IPO website that once a mark is registered it can't be changed later (I took this to mean addition of logo and categories) is this not the case?

 

[ethical PR]

Probably best to contact the IPO and they can clarify for you.

 

[Trademarkroom]

Hi. Once filed, it is examined. When the examination report is completed they will make comments about whether or not it is okay to proceed to the publication stage. If there are problems with the classes i.e. you have added goods or services that are in the wrong class they will allow you to amend by moving them into the right class- but you have to have mentioned them in your original application. If they are in the wrong class that you don't have you will be invited to pay the extra fee necessary for adding an extra class. What you can't do is say- can I now add clothing if that wasn't in your original specifications.

 

[Trademarkroom]

You can of course contact the UKIPO, they are very helpful and knowledgeable. Happy to answer questions though!

Please email me [email protected] if I can advise further

 

[Peanut Butter Man]

Thanks for your help everyone. To be honest I would probably prefere to go down the route of using a company to do this for me to make sure its all ok. However, the DIY route is to be taken as the new venture, as any could run away with my money oh so quickly.