How to trademark your company name
Wondering if you should trademark your company name?
Here’s the thing: you’re not really required to trademark your company name. But why do business owners still trademark their businesses?
Lucky you, I made a guide answering the basic questions about how to trademark your company name in New Zealand. Read my blog to check if you need to register your company name!
What is a trademark?
A trademark is basically like a "badge of origin" of any product or services and its connection to the trademark owner which can be renewed every 10 years. Some of the things you can trademark are images, words, logo, shapes, and more.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is basically like a "badge of origin" of any product or services and its connection to the trademark owner which can be renewed every 10 years. Some of the things you can trademark are images, words, logo, shapes, and more.
Benefits of trademarking your company name
You own the trademark as soon as you start the business. However, having it registered is an important step for more protection. Here are some benefits you should consider:
Proof of ownership
Exclusive right to use your business name/logo in NZ
Protects your business reputation and goodwill
Your products become easy to identify
Deters competitors from using the same logo/business name
Prevents customers from getting confused with a competitor
You can sell or license your trademarks, making them a valuable business asset
Protects all of the time and money you have spent or will spend promoting your business name/logo
Choosing a company name
You wouldn’t want to be branded as a copycat business, right? Check out these steps to help you start a company name that's uniquely yours:
Brainstorm company name ideas
Make sure that the name is memorable, unique, and reflects the niche of your business. Write down words related to your business and gradually discard the names you don't like or names that don't fit your business at all.
Do a background check
Use OneCheck or check company names that can’t be reserved to avoid running into legal troubles. This also helps you cross out name ideas too similar to a business name that already exists on the NZ register.
You can also purchase a preliminary advice service so the Intellectual Property Office (IPONZ) can advise whether your trademark is unique enough to the industry you want it to be registered.
Choose a trademark type
Here are some common examples:
Word trademark - ‘Neurospark’
Image/logo trademark
Combined trademark
You can opt for a pre-made or custom logo depending on your needs. But if you really want to stand out against your competitors, check out my logo and branding services!
Determine the specification
Specify the list of class(es) your goods and services your business falls into. You can use an online classification tool provided by IPONZ to help you.
Decide the owner
Do you have a plan on who will look after the business? You can always transfer the ownership but it's easier to know it now before you decide to register.
You can register a trademark under:
A company
Individual(s)
Two partners
One or more of the company owners
Other legal entities, such as an incorporated society.
Reserving a company name
You can start reserving your business name once you’ve finalised your decision. The application for reserving a company name online costs $10 (plus GST) which is non-refundable.
These are the must-haves to reserve a company name:
A RealMe® login
Online services account with the Companies Register
Set-up your account here.
How to apply for company name reservation
Login to your RealMe online services accounts and select Entity type.
Enter the company name you'd like to reserve.
Select the owner of the company name then upload some supporting documents.
Submit and complete the payment process.
Registering a trademark
Communicate with IPONZ via their case management facility. You'll need your RealMe login and IPONZ account for this.
Process:
Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide for the trademark application process.
Submit your application for a trademark with the IPONZ.
They will give you a notice for acceptance/refusal within 15 working days.
Once your application was accepted, the trademark will be advertised in the next edition of ‘The Journal’ publication.
If there are no objections to your trademark after three months, the trademark will be registered at a minimum of six months after the filing date.
Registering a domain
Help your customers find you easily with a related domain name! GoDaddy and OnlyDomains are two of the most reliable domain providers. Both of these have the best interfaces and secure hosting. Plus, they have a selection of price range for a suitable option for your business needs.
Protect your business
Having a registered company name eases your worry that people can steal all the things you worked hard for. It may take some time and a few bucks but everything’s worth it especially if you look at its benefits for your business in the long run.
Let’s work together
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