Creating a brand is a crucial step, especially for those who want to establish themselves in the business world. But what do you need to do to protect that brand, i.e., obtain trademark rights? I’m going to explain the answer to this question as if I were telling it to a friend over a coffee break. Ready? Let’s dive in!
First of all, what we call "trademark rights" essentially refers to trademark registration. This means legally protecting a name, logo, or slogan. If you don’t do this, you can’t prevent others from using the brand you’ve worked hard on for years. As TÜRKPATENT points out, trademark registration is a vital step in protecting industrial property rights.
So, why is it so important? Because your brand helps customers recognize and trust you. It also helps you stand out in the competition. If you don’t register your trademark, you can’t stop others from using the same name. This could mean all your hard work goes to waste.
There are a few steps you need to follow to obtain trademark rights, i.e., register your trademark. This process might seem a bit complicated, but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step by step.
The first step is to check if your brand has already been registered. If the same or a similar name has been registered before, your application could be rejected. At this point, you can use TÜRKPATENT’s trademark search tools or get support from an expert team like ours. You might want to read our comprehensive guide on this topic: Trademark Search Guide.
When registering a trademark, you need to determine the classes in which your brand will be protected. There are a total of 45 trademark classes, and each class covers different products or services. For example, classes 29 and 30 are suitable for food products, while class 9 is appropriate for technology products. Choosing the right class is crucial for the protection of your brand.
You’ve done the trademark search and determined your class. Now it’s time to prepare the application file. This file includes information such as your brand’s logo, name, and the classes in which it will be registered. You also need to pay the application fee. Contact us for up-to-date fee information.
If your application file is ready, you can submit your application to TÜRKPATENT online or in person. Once your application is received, TÜRKPATENT will begin the review process. During this process, they will evaluate whether your trademark is registrable and if it resembles any other trademarks.
Once your application is accepted, your trademark will be published in the Official Trademark Bulletin. After this publication, third parties have the right to oppose. If there are no objections or if the objections are rejected, your trademark will be registered.
After all these processes are successfully completed, your trademark will be officially registered. Once you receive your registration certificate, your brand will be protected for 10 years. At the end of this period, you can renew the registration to extend the protection.
This process usually takes between 6 to 12 months. Of course, this duration can vary depending on the status of your trademark, whether there are any objections, and how complete your application is. The workload at TÜRKPATENT can also affect this timeline.
Obtaining trademark rights is an essential step to protect your brand and prevent future problems. Following the right steps and getting professional support will make the process smoother.
If you have any questions or need more detailed information, we’re ready to listen over a cup of coffee. You can reach us at +902129175946. Remember, your brand is your identity, and protecting it means securing your future.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic, you can also check out our Trademark Registration Process Guide.