What are the steps to protect a brand internationally?
March 7, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Robert Lehmann
Dear trademark attorney,
I am Lucas Hirschberg and I work for a small company that distributes its products internationally. We have developed a brand that we would like to protect internationally in order to secure our intellectual property. Currently, we are only protected nationally, and as we want to expand, we are concerned about potential trademark infringements abroad.
Our brand is already established and recognized by customers worldwide. We want to ensure that we protect our brand image and can ward off potential imitators or plagiarists. Our products have a good reputation and we want to avoid others benefiting from our success without us benefiting from it.
Could you please explain to me the steps that are necessary to protect our brand internationally? Which countries should we consider and how can we ensure that our trademark protection is effective? Are there specific requirements or procedures that we need to consider in order to successfully register our brand abroad?
Thank you in advance for your help and support. We are ready to take the necessary steps to protect our brand internationally, and we hope for your expertise and experience to guide us in the right direction.
Sincerely,
Lucas Hirschberg
Dear Mr. Hirschberg,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the protection of your brand on an international level. It is very important to secure your intellectual property, especially if you are operating in different countries and looking to expand. Protecting your brand can help maintain your brand image and prevent potential trademark infringements.
To protect your brand internationally, it is advisable to register it in the countries where you currently distribute your products or plan to distribute them in the future. This can be achieved through various international agreements such as the Madrid Agreement concerning the International Registration of Marks or the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement. These agreements allow for the filing of an international trademark application that is valid in various countries.
It is important to note that each country has its own laws and procedures regarding trademark protection. Therefore, it is advisable to seek advice from an experienced trademark attorney to ensure that your brand is effectively protected. An attorney can assist you in selecting the relevant countries, filing the trademark application, and monitoring potential trademark infringements.
When filing for international trademark registration, you must meet certain requirements such as submitting an application, describing your brand and the products or services it applies to, and paying the relevant fees. It is important to submit all necessary documents correctly and completely to ensure that your brand is adequately protected.
In addition to registering your brand, you should also take measures to monitor it and identify potential trademark infringements. This can be done through regular brand monitoring and enforcing your rights against potential infringers.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance with international trademark registration, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Robert Lehmann, Trademark Attorney
