The Ultimate Brand Protection Guide
Η trademark registration (trademark registration) is a critical step in protecting your business from duplicates and breaches. It ensures that no one else can use your company's name, logo or distinctive mark without permission. In this guide, we will discuss what trademark registration is, why it is necessary and how you can secure it for maximum legal protection of your brand.
What is trademark registration?;
The trademark registration is the formal registration procedure of a trademark in order to grant exclusive rights of use to its owner. The trademark (trademark) may include:
- Business names
- Logos
- Slogan
- Colours or sound elements associated with a brand
With the registration, your business gets legal protection from competitors trying to copy or exploit your identity.
Why is trademark registration necessary?;
Registering a trademark offers multiple advantages:
- Legal protection: Ensures that no one else can use your signal.
- Preventing consumer confusion: Your customers recognise your brand, avoiding imitations.
- Exclusive use of the mark: No competitor can take advantage of your reputation.
- Increasing the value of the business: Registered trade marks are considered to be assets that can be sold or licensed (licensing).
- Facilitating international expansion: Global registration protects your brand in new markets.
How is trademark registration done?;
The registration process includes the following steps:
1. Checking the availability of the signal
Before registering, you must ensure that your trademark is unique and has not already been registered. You can carry out a search:
- In the database of the OBI (Industrial Property Organisation) for Greece.
- At EUIPO for the European Union.
- At WIPO for international registration through the Madrid System.
2. Selection of protection classes (Nice Classification)
Trademarks are classified into different classes products and services. You will need to indicate the categories in which you want to protect your mark.
3. Submission of a registration application
Depending on the level of protection you want, the request can be made:
- National registration (OBI - Greece): Provides protection only within Greece.
- European registration (EUIPO - European Union): Covers all EU countries.
- International registration (WIPO - Madrid System): Allows protection in 120+ countries with one application.
The application includes:
- The name of the company
- The logo or distinctive mark
- The product/service classes
- The payment of the relevant fees
4. Control and objection period
The competent authorities shall examine the application for any conflicts with other marks. If the application is approved, the mark is published and a period of time is allowed for third party objections.
5. Issue of a trademark certificate
If no objections are raised or rejected, the trade mark shall be registered and the official trademark certificate.
The registration lasts for 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely.
International trademark protection
If your business operates in more than one country, it is important to protect your trademark internationally. The main options are:
- European Trademark (EUTM - EUIPO): Protection in all EU countries.
- International Trademark (WIPO - Madrid System): Covers 120+ countries.
- National registration in individual countries, if the country does not participate in the Madrid System.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not search availability, resulting in you filing an application for an already registered trade mark.
- Choose a very general or descriptive name, which cannot be patented.
- Do not renew the badge after 10 years, with the result that you lose your protection rights.
- You are not protecting the mark internationally, if you plan to operate outside Greece.
What DARC Advertising can do for your business
Η DARC Advertising specializes in trademark registration, helping businesses protect their unique identity. We undertake trademark registration at national, European and international level, ensuring the absolute legal protection of your brand.
