Registering a trademark transforms your business name, logo, or slogan into legally enforceable assets that protect your brand nationwide (and potentially worldwide). Learning what you need to trademark a name or a logo helps you prepare for a smooth application process and avoid costly delays.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see How Do I Trademark a Name?.
1. A Distinctive, Registrable Mark
- Originality: Your name, logo or slogan must be inherently distinctive, fanciful, arbitrary or suggestive.
- Avoid generic or purely descriptive terms that examiners routinely refuse.
2. Comprehensive Clearance Search
- Search national and international databases to uncover identical or confusingly similar marks.
- Include word, design and phonetic variations
Documentation Needed:
- Screenshots of search results from all databases checked
- Analysis of any similar marks found
- Professional search report, if using professional Trademark Search services
- Decision rationale for proceeding despite any conflicts identified
3. Class Selection & Description
Identify Your Nice Classification Classes:
The international Nice Classification system organizes trademarks into 45 classes:
- Classes 1-34: Goods (physical products)
- Classes 35-45: Services
What You Need to Prepare:
- Complete inventory: List every product/service you offer or plan to offer
- Class mapping: Match each item to appropriate Nice classes using TMclass.org
- Precise descriptions: Use specific, pre-approved terminology rather than broad categories
4. Proof of Trademark Use or Specimen of Use
For Product Trademarks (Goods):
You need clear evidence showing your trademark on or associated with your products:
- Product labels or packaging showing the trademark
- Photographs of the trademark on actual products
- Point-of-sale displays featuring the trademark
- Product catalogs or brochures with trademark prominently displayed
For Service Trademarks (Services):
You need materials showing trademark use in advertising or providing services:
- Website screenshots showing trademark in service descriptions
- Business brochures or flyers advertising services
- Advertisements in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms
- Business cards or letterhead (if services are clearly identified)
Important Requirements:
- Images must be clear and high-resolution
- Trademark must be prominently visible
- Use must be ""in commerce"" (actual business transactions)
- Date of first use must be documented
5. Complete Application Information and Documentation
You’ll need to supply all of the following:
- Trademark representation: The exact word(s) to register or a high-resolution image if your mark has figurative elements.
- Class numbers: Every Nice class (and any local subclasses) under which your mark should be protected.
- Goods/services description: Clear, class-aligned wording for each offering.
- Owner information: Full name (or company name and legal form), complete address, and, where required, proof of identity or incorporation documents.
- Local agent/attorney details: Name and contact information for the representative handling your application.
- Power of Attorney: In many countries a signed POA is mandatory; it may need notarization or legalization depending on jurisdiction.
6. Government Filing Fees and Payment
- Filing fee per class varies by country (e.g., US $250–350; EU €850 for one class).
- Additional class fees and publication charges may apply.
For a detailed breakdown of government and professional fees, see our guide: How Much Does a Trademark Cost?
7. Professional Assistance (Optional but Recommended)
You’ll especially want to bring in professional support when your trademark situation goes beyond the basics. If you’re facing complex conflicts, unusual filing circumstances or examiner objections, an experienced specialist can navigate those hurdles far more smoothly than DIY tools.
Likewise, international filings, whether you’re designating multiple countries under the Madrid Protocol or coordinating separate national applications, demand a deep understanding of diverse rules and deadlines.
Trademark agents or attorneys will help you every step of the way: refining your mark’s description, compiling and filing the necessary documents, handling any office actions, and staying on top of critical deadlines.
At iGERENT, we deliver a turnkey solution, combining that expert support with fully transparent pricing and hands-on guidance from initial search through final registration.
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