How to Patent a Name: Step-by-Step Guide

Your company’s name and logo are of immense significance in the business world. They serve as unique trademarks that distinguish your goods and services from the competition. These emblems, recognised and trusted by customers, often lead companies to seek trademark protection from the beginning.

In the competitive business landscape, it’s essential to carefully adopt company policies and programmes that provide a competitive edge. The presence of competition signifies a demand for your product or service and fuels market competitiveness.

Using a trademarked logo and name is a proactive strategy to stay ahead in the market. Experts highlight the crucial role of corporate branding in shaping customer perceptions. Your company’s unique name and logo, legally protected under the Companies Act of 1956 and the Trademark Act of 1999, set you apart from your competitors.

A trademark is more than just a legal safeguard; it’s a cornerstone of consumer trust and a vital asset for your business’s success. Recognising the importance of branding, let’s move to the next stage: exploring seven simple steps to file a trademark.

But first, what exactly is a trademark? It includes names, surnames, words, characters, numerals, symbols, shapes, or distinctive colour schemes. Now, let’s review the steps on how to patent a name.

Step 1: Choose a Distinct Brand Name and Logo

Selecting a business name is a comprehensive process that goes beyond casual brainstorming. It’s more than choosing a common phrase from the English lexicon; trademarks require uniqueness and originality. Your company name is not just an identifier; it has the potential to become a significant trademark, a distinctive symbol that distinguishes you from competitors.

This methodical approach to naming requires careful consideration to ensure it accurately reflects your product or service. The challenge lies in creating a name that is both memorable and legally defensible. Therefore, when naming your company, creativity is key. The right name becomes an integral part of your company’s identity, helping you carve out a niche in a crowded industry.

Also Read: Startup Dreams: 20 Business Ideas for College Students

Step 2: Conduct an Online Search

Ensuring the uniqueness of your company’s trademark is essential to avoid potential legal complications. Proactively confirming the originality of your chosen trademark name and logo is a critical step. Conducting a comprehensive online search is recommended for this purpose.

In India, the Controller General of Patent Designs and Trademarks oversees trademark registrations. This authority offers access to an online trademark search database via its official website. You can undertake this search independently or opt for professional guidance from experts in Indian trademark and patent law. Online directories provide a list of specialised attorneys who can help navigate the complexities of the process.

On the trademark search page, enter:

1. Your chosen trademark name.
2. The appropriate trademark class from the 45 available classes.

Only proceed to the next step if the search results indicate “no match found,” signifying that your trademark is unique.

Step 3: Fill Out the Trademark Application

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After confirming your trademark’s distinctiveness, the next critical step is to safeguard it through registration. Begin by downloading Form TM-1, the official trademark application form, from the Controller General’s website. A one-time fee of ₹3500 is required to obtain this form.

When completing the application, include the following documentation:

1. Identity Evidence: For companies with multiple owners, provide identity proof for each director, along with their respective address proof.
2. Goods or Services Description: Offer a clear, concise description of your goods or services. Limit this description to 500 words, providing a comprehensive summary of what your company offers.
3. Logo Image: Attach a standard 9 × 5-centimetre image of your logo. This visual representation is vital to your trademark, helping to distinguish your company.

Diligently following these guidelines and completing the registration process is a crucial step in protecting your trademark and laying a strong foundation for your business.

Also Read: Best 75 Profitable Small Business Ideas in India for 2023

Step 4: Filing for the Brand Name Registration Application

When filing your trademark registration application, there are two options: manual filing and e-filing.

Firstly, manual filing involves physically submitting the application form at one of the five Trademark Registry Offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Chennai. After completing the filing process, you can expect to receive an acknowledgment of your application within a typical timeframe of 15-20 days.

Alternatively, e-filing offers a more streamlined and efficient process. You can submit your trademark registration application online, with the significant advantage of immediate acknowledgment issuance after filing. This method is faster and more convenient, providing quick confirmation.

The choice between manual and e-filing depends on your personal preference and convenience. Whether you opt for the traditional in-person method or the modern online approach, each offers its benefits. The key is to choose the method that best suits your needs and simplifies the trademark registration process for you.

Step 5: Examining Your Brand Registration Application

Once submitted, your application is now under the scrutiny of the designated officer, who is rigorously examining it to verify the uniqueness of your brand name. This involves a detailed review of every aspect, ensuring that your chosen name does not conflict with any existing or pending applications. Moreover, the officer ensures compliance with all legal requirements.

If you’ve dedicated time and effort to develop a truly unique name for your company, this rigorous examination should be a straightforward process. This stage acts as a confirmation of your thorough brand naming efforts, ensuring your company’s identity is distinct and legally sound.

Step 6: Publication in Indian Trade Mark Journals

Your company’s name and logo have now been officially published in the Indian Trade Mark Journal, a significant milestone in the trademark process. This publication initiates a crucial phase: a 90-day period (which may extend to 120 days in certain cases) for any potential oppositions to your chosen company name.

This period is vital as it allows individuals to raise any concerns or objections to your trademark. If no objections are encountered, it indicates successful navigation through legal scrutiny, a noteworthy accomplishment. This achievement is cause for celebration, as it brings your trademark one step closer to full registration and recognition.

Step 7: Receiving the Trademark Registration Certificate

If no objections are raised within the specified period, your trademark name and logo will be officially protected. You will then receive a Certificate of Registration, endorsed by the Trademark Registry.

Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the entire trademark application process, which typically spans 15-18 months. Your trademark name and logo are now legally protected for a period of ten years. Maintaining this protection is straightforward – you simply need to renew it by paying the renewal fee when due. This milestone is a significant step in establishing your brand’s identity and enhancing its recognition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trademarking your company’s identity is a vital step towards building a strong and enduring brand. By adhering to the seven straightforward steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently manage the trademark process and ensure that your company name and logo are legally protected. Remember, a registered trademark not only offers legal recourse in cases of infringement but also bolsters your brand’s credibility and market value. Proactively pursuing trademark protection sets you on the course to establishing a distinct and secure brand presence in the business world.

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