Trademark is an important symbol for an enterprise to promote itself in the market and is the cornerstone of an enterprise’s brand building. In the era of internationalization, international trademark registration has become an essential part of enterprises. This article will introduce the stages of international trademark registration.
1. Preparation stage.
Before international trademark registration, companies need to carry out a series of preparations. First, the enterprise needs to conduct a trademark search to determine whether the selected trademark is available, and it needs to conduct trademark classification to determine the specific category of the trademark. Secondly, enterprises need to determine the region for trademark registration. Different regions have different trademark registration requirements and procedures, and enterprises need to understand them clearly. Finally, the enterprise needs to prepare trademark registration application documents, including trademark application form, trademark drawing, trademark classification table, etc.
2. Trademark application stage.
After the preparation work is completed, the company can start to apply for a trademark. Enterprises need to submit trademark application documents to the trademark registration agency and pay trademark application fees. The trademark registration agency will conduct a preliminary review of the trademark application to determine whether the trademark meets legal requirements. If it meets the requirements, it will accept the trademark application and publicize the trademark application information. If the trademark does not meet legal requirements, the trademark application will be rejected and the company will need to modify or reapply.
3. Substantive review stage.
After the preliminary review, the trademark registration agency will conduct a substantive review of the trademark. Substantive examination is to examine the content of the trademark application to determine whether the trademark meets legal requirements, such as whether it is the same as or similar to a registered trademark, whether it is distinctive, etc. If the trademark meets legal requirements, the trademark registration application will be approved and announced. If the trademark does not meet legal requirements, the trademark registration application will be rejected and the company will need to modify or reapply.
4. Objection stage.
After the trademark is announced, if there is no objection, the trademark registration process will be completed and the trademark registration certificate will be issued to the enterprise. If there is an objection, an objection procedure will be required. Objection refers to any objection to the announcement of a trademark registration application, including objections from the trademark registration agency and third parties. If the trademark registration agency or a third party has objections to the trademark registration application, the trademark registration agency will notify the enterprise and require the enterprise to respond or withdraw the trademark registration application.
5. Trademark registration certificate issuance stage.
After the opposition procedure, if the trademark registration application is approved, the trademark registration agency will issue a trademark registration certificate to the enterprise. The trademark registration certificate is proof that the enterprise legally owns the trademark rights. The enterprise needs to properly keep the trademark registration certificate and provide it to relevant parties as evidence when needed. The issuance of the Trademark Registration Certificate marks the final stage of the trademark registration process.
6. Trademark maintenance stage.
Once a trademark is successfully registered, the company needs to perform regular maintenance of the trademark. Trademark maintenance includes trademark use and trademark renewal. Enterprises should actively use trademarks and ensure that the trademarks are used legally on the registered goods or services to maintain the validity of the trademarks. In addition, the registration validity period of a trademark is usually 10 years. Before the validity period expires, enterprises need to carry out trademark renewal procedures in a timely manner to ensure the continued protection of the trademark.
7. Trademark protection stage.
Trademark registration is only the first step in trademark protection. In fact, trademark protection is an ongoing process. Once a trademark is successfully registered, the company can enjoy certain trademark rights, including prohibiting others from using similar trademarks on the same or similar goods or services, and pursuing infringement liability when infringement occurs. If it discovers infringement by others, the company can take legal measures to protect its rights, including filing a trademark infringement lawsuit, applying for administrative protection, etc.
International trademark registration is an important means for enterprises to protect their brands and expand their markets. During the international trademark registration stage, enterprises need to carry out a series of procedures such as preparation work, trademark application, substantive examination, objection handling, and issuance of trademark registration certificates. After the trademark is successfully registered, the company needs to maintain and protect the trademark to ensure the continued validity of the trademark rights and interests. By following prescribed procedures and legally safeguarding rights, companies can effectively protect their trademark rights and gain an advantage in market competition.