An agency guide to trade mark searching
20 January 2017
Whenever a new launch is proposed, whether it is for a product, brand, business name or an advertising campaign, there is always a risk that someone else is already using an identical or a similar name or design.
If so, then that party may be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction from the court to prevent the launch and obtain damages for trade mark, design right or copyright infringement and/or passing off.
It is for this reason that most well advised businesses will undertake a comprehensive search programme prior to adopting a new name or design in order to minimise exposure to such risks. The financial consequences of a failed launch, together with the attendant PR damage and loss of management time, must not be underestimated.
Read 'An agency guide to trade mark searching' InBrief here.