Can I expand or change a brand at a later date?
February 28, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hausdorf
Dear trademark attorney,
Several years ago, I registered a trademark for my company "Ehrig's Elektronikwelt". Now I would like to expand my range and also offer products in the household appliances sector. Unfortunately, my current trademark registration only includes the category "electronics". Is it possible to expand or change my trademark afterwards to also cover household appliances?
I am concerned that I could encounter problems if I sell the new products under my existing trademark, as they are not explicitly listed in the registration. I want to ensure that my intellectual property is protected and no legal conflicts arise.
Are there ways to expand or adjust my existing trademark to also cover household appliances? What steps do I need to take for this and what are the implications of a change on my existing trademark? I would greatly appreciate it if you could assist me with this and provide possible solutions.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Siegfried Ehrig
Dear Mr. Ehrig,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the expansion of your existing brand "Ehrig's Elektronikwelt" to include household appliances. It is understandable that you are concerned about protecting your intellectual property and potential legal conflicts. When it comes to expanding or modifying an already registered brand, there are certain options and steps you can take.
First and foremost, it is important to know that a trademark registration is divided into different classes to cover different products or services. In your case, the category "Electronics" is listed, which means that your brand is only protected for products or services in the electronics industry. To also cover household appliances, you would need to make an extension or adjustment to your brand.
One option to expand your brand would be to file a modification application with the relevant trademark office. In this modification application, you should specify that you wish to add the category "Household Appliances" to expand your range. Please note that this may incur additional costs and also require examination by the trademark authority.
Another option would be to file a new trademark application specifically for the household appliances sector. This way, you would ensure that your brand is protected for these products or services without altering the existing brand. This could also be useful in creating a clear distinction between the different product categories.
However, before making a decision, I recommend that you consult with a specialized trademark attorney to discuss your individual situation and determine the best course of action. An attorney can also help you understand the legal implications of modifying or expanding your brand and support you throughout the entire process.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you find a solution to your concern. If you have any further questions or need legal advice, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Ingo Hausdorf
Trademark Attorney
