A business spends a lot of effort developing its identity. The terms, slogans, logos, and/or graphics that distinguish a company’s goods or offerings are referred to as trademarks, which are interchangeable with service marks. The seven trademark faults listed below should be avoided during the logo filing procedure.

Not hunting for identical marks 

On the website of the TM registration authority, check the patent application record for already registered brands. Look for expired or canceled seal filings in addition to already-used TMs. This might assist you in avoiding identical or confusingly lookalike TMs that are already registered or being sought after. Failing to undertake a comprehensive search could have major repercussions in the future. 

Not utilizing the TM in commercial activity 

A business must use a logo in association with certain goods and solutions in the market before applying for one. A business can submit an Intent-to-Use petition with the Patent Department if it doesn’t use a mark in business before filing but intends to do so in the future. 

It won’t be possible to register copyright until a trade starts utilizing it in trading. A corporate has 36 months to provide a declaration of use.

Absence of a unique trademark 

A firm’s seal needs to stand out. There are five sorts of unique logos: persuasive, unpredictable, informative, and imaginative. The regulators will refuse a claim that solely employs expressive language to represent a company’s goods or offerings.

Similar to generic phrases, which refer to a broad category of goods or commodities rather than a specific company’s model, generalized terms are not protected by IP rights. For instance, the moniker “Finest Coffee in County” or the tagline “Fresh and Hot” are unlikely to be approved for a cafe establishment. The words are rather broad. 

A business should pick a creative vocabulary that distinguishes its identity from competing goods already available on the market or includes a keyword specific to its brand.

Lack of trademark enforcement 

A business is in charge of protecting its seal. The authorities take every precaution to prevent trademark infringement on the part of third parties. But, it is the trademark owner’s responsibility to take legal proceedings against a violator. 

A business must devise a plan to protect its trademark and maintain vigilance to make sure no one is abusing it. If another industry violates your logo, it may not only need pricey legal actions but also result in the loss of your seal claims.

The process of submitting a copyright claim is difficult and time-consuming, but accurate completion of the documentation is necessary. To prevent making typical logo blunders throughout the filing procedure, it is crucial to comprehend regulations. If you’re unsure, see a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the law and can help you through the procedure.

Not keeping track of the progress of your request 

At any time during the licensing phase, the regulators may send an Administrative inquiry, which is a notice outlining flaws or concerns with a seal petition. Every 90 days between the submission date and the day the license is issued, a corporation must check the progress of its outstanding requests. 

The Progress and Data Recovery system allows a business to monitor the progress of its petition. Applications can be withdrawn or revoked and reinstated with added costs if the firm doesn’t reply to an inquiry within six months.

Selecting the incorrect trademark class

On the registration request form, a corporation must provide a comprehensive description of the goods and services to which its logo will apply. You may only use your logo in connection with certain goods and services. 

For instance, you cannot file your t-shirt brand into the collar shirt category if you manufacture t-shirts. These are separate copyright classifications in the eyes of the regulators, thus if you only register your mark for T-shirts, your copyright will not provide any coverage for collared shirts.

Although it may be enticing, it is prohibited to list any good or service available on the form. A firm must widen its horizons and consider adding new products to its current lineup.