Complete Guide to Protecting Your Brand
Η trademark registration is an essential step for any business that wants to protect its identity and ensure the exclusive use of its brand. A trademark can include names, logos, slogans, colours or even sounds, allowing businesses to stand out in the market.
In this guide, we will analyse the importance of a trademark, the steps to register it and how you can ensure its legal protection.
What is the brand?;
The trademark (trademark) is any distinctive feature that is associated with a business and differentiates it from the competition.
Types of trademarks
- Verbal signals: Names of businesses, products or services.
- Pictorial signs: Logos and symbols.
- Combined signals: Composition of words and images.
- Sound signals: Melodies or sounds that identify a brand.
Why register your trademark?;
The registration of your trademark provides legal protection and enhances the visibility of your business. Key benefits include:
- Exclusive rights to use the trade mark in specific categories of products or services.
- Preventing copying or malicious use of your brand from third parties.
- Strengthening customer confidence, giving brand credibility.
- Protection from legal disputes, ensuring that no one else can use a similar signal.
- Ability to expand into international markets through international registration.
Steps for trademark registration
1. Search for availability of the signal
Before filing an application, you should check whether your trademark is unique. You can search the databases of the OBI (Industrial Property Organization) for Greece, of EUIPO for the European Union, or WIPO for international registration.
2. Selection of the appropriate protection classes
Your trademark should be registered in the correct classes of goods or services, according to the International Classification of Nice.
3. Submission of a registration application
Depending on the scope of protection you want, the request can be made:
- At OBI for registration in Greece.
- At EUIPO for protection in all countries of the European Union.
- At WIPO through the Madrid System for International Protection.
The application shall contain the description of the mark, the classes of protection and the particulars of the applicant.
4. Examination by the competent authorities and objection period
After submission, the competent office examines whether the mark meets the legal requirements. It is then 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 mark shall be registered and the trademark certificate, which applies to 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely.
International trademark protection
If your business operates outside Greece, it is important to register your trademark internationally. The main options are:
- European Trademark (EUTM - EUIPO): Provides protection in all EU countries.
- International Trademark (WIPO - Madrid System): Allows registration in multiple countries with a single application.
- Registration in individual countries, if the system WIPO does not cover the specific country you are interested in.
Common mistakes to avoid
- You do not check if the mark is already registered, which can lead to legal problems.
- You are not selecting the correct classes of protection, limiting the power of the trademark.
- You are not protecting the mark internationally, if you intend to operate outside Greece.
- You do not track the market, allowing third parties to use your signal.
- You do not renew the registration after 10 years, leading to loss of rights.
What DARC Advertising can do for your business
Η DARC Advertising specializes in the trademark registration process, helping businesses protect their unique identity. We provide comprehensive registration services to national, European and international level, ensuring that your brand remains fully protected.
