When you are ready to discuss protecting your brand, here is a checklist to help you provide the information and materials that will be helpful for an initial meeting. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed – it is better to get some advice at an early stage to start out on the right foot.
- What elements of your business or product do you see as reflecting your brand?
– Do you have any distinctive packaging?
– Does your product have any unique visual features? - What is your trademark?
- Does your trademark have an English translation, or is it a made-up word?
- Who owns the trademark?
- Did any other entity use or own the trademark before you?
- Have you done any searching for similar trademarks being used by others?
– If so, please bring details of those similar trademarks (e.g. print-outs from online searches). - What products will be sold in connection with your trademark?
- What services will be provided in connection with your trademark?
- Have you started selling products or providing services using your trademark?
– If so, please bring specimens or photographs showing how the trademark is used. - Is your trademark being used by any other person or company?
– If so, please explain the relationship between yourself and the other person or company. - Where will the trademark be used?
– What countries are you doing business in or likely to do business in?