Basics of ecommerce Trademark

1. Basics of Ecommerce Trademarks A.A.Tejuoso & Co.

2. Trademark for business Being involved in the ecommerce industry, many business owners have heard of the term “trademark” many times in their life. However, most of them have no idea what a trademark really is, and how it could help the business by protecting a merchant’s products and services, as well as the brand’s online reputation. In this article, the essential things about trademark will be discussed. What is a Trademark? Essentially, a trademark is any name, word, design, or symbol that function to identify the products or services of a particular business. It distinguishes and differentiates a business’s products and services from those of other businesses.

3. Trademark Registration TM When registered properly, the law prohibits other businesses to use that particular trademark. In a way, it protects a business’s brand names, emblems, logos, and even taglines. Difference of Registered and Unregistered Trademarks A trademark is generally divided into two categories: registered, and unregistered. As the term implies, registered trademarks are listed in trademark-governing bodies. They are exclusive for use only to the company that has it registered. Conversely, unregistered trademarks are not officially listed, hence it can be used by any person or brand. Trademarks can be recognized if they are registered or unregistered by looking at their symbol. An unregistered trademark has a trademark symbol (™) at the end of the word, logo, or any graphic design. On the other hand, a registered trademark has the registered symbol (®) at the end.

4. Trademark Registration TM To Register a Trademark or Not? Most small businesses do not register their trademarks because adding the trademark symbol is usually enough to provide their brand with adequate protection. But, ideally, a trademark should be registered for various reasons. Most importantly, a trademark should be registered so others will not be allowed to copy it or use it without the owner’s permission. Secondly, a registered trademark attracts investors because it presumably adds monetary value to the business. Thirdly, registered trademarks help with advertising, especially when an advertising agency is involved. Fourthly, business loans have greater tendency to be approved when a business has registered trademarks. And lastly, a registered trademark also helps in selling a business.

5. Registration Eligibility for Trademark TM Trademark Registration Eligibilities When it comes to registering a trademark, a business should take note of two things: the trademark to be registered should be unique, and it should not be generic, descriptive, or likely to cause confusion. For obvious reasons, a trademark cannot be registered if a trademark of the same name or design is already registered. The uniqueness of a certain trademark can be checked by inquiring at trademark-governing body of the country.

6. Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer Next, a trademark should not be generic. For example, a trademark named “Online Store” will most likely be rejected because other businesses in the category also use it. Also, trademarks that sound like other trademarks when spoken may also not be allowed to be registered. Get your business trademark registered with the help of intellectual property lawyers Nigeria for better future. In the end, it is not required to have a registered trademark for a company. But if an owner wants to improve his business, it will certainly do good to have trademarks registered.

7. The Royal Chambers, 23/29 Abibu Oki Street, P.O. Box: 8842, Lagos, Nigeria , Fax: +234 1 264 3025 , Shift Number: +234 1 264 3024, Email:lawyer@tejulaw.com