A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes goods and services in the market. Your trade mark can be a word, phrase, letter, number, sound, smell, shape, logo or picture. Trade marks build up value in your business by provided a registered and numbered asset that is registered with the Australian government.

Trade marks prevent competitors from stealing your business by preventing them from copying you and trading off your reputation. Your competitors are therefore unable to benefit from your hard work.

Stopping and preventing competitors from trading off your reputation can result in more sales growth and opportunities for your business.

Registering a trade mark is easy with our four step process.

Step 1 – Trade Mark database search. During this step we search the existing Australian trade mark database to determine whether your logo is registrable under Australian Trade Mark law. Depending on the results of this search we may advise you to file your logo as proposed or to make one or more amendments to ensure the logo is registrable. This step is optional but certainly highly recommended. The cost of the registrability search is $390 + GST.

Step 2 - Prepare and file the trade mark application. In this step we review the results of the registrability search and prepare and file the trade mark application ensuring we meet all the legal requirements and apply for the broadest possible protection for your logo. The cost of this step is $760 + GST which includes all government filing fees.

Step 3 - Trade Mark office examination. About 3 months after filing the trade mark application, the trade marks office will review the application to determine whether it can be registered. Most applications we file pass this stage with no objections especially in the instance where the initial registrability search was performed. If the trade mark passes this stage there are no fees at this step. If there are major objections by the trade mark office some fees may be payable to overcome the objections. We can provide a quote when and if this is necessary.

Step 4 - The final stage is registration. Once the trade mark office has approved the trade mark application, it will then be registered. The cost of registration is $500 + GST which includes a registration period of 10 years. At the end of each 10 year period the trade mark can be renewed again so long as you continue to use it.

Simply Contact Us for a free quote or to arrange your free consultation with a specialist trade mark attorney.