The importance of domain names when registering a trade mark

When registering a trade mark, it is essential to ensure that you have the ability to also use that name in other aspects of your business.

You want all references to your business to be in line with your trade mark to ensure that there is no confusion arising from your potential customers. These references include any domain name you may use.

You need to develop a clear strategy on how to build up your protection.

The first step to take is to register your trade mark. This will help you establish your business and also gives the impression to anyone thinking of using your mark unauthorised that you are serious about your IP.

However, before you do this, a search to ensure that your potential mark is not already being used as a company name or has already been registered as a domain name is recommended. You do not want to go through with the process of registering your trade mark to then find you cannot move forward with your business as other aspects cannot be fulfilled. In contrast however, it may not be best to register your business name with Companies House or secure a domain name through Nominet UK before you are sure you can protect your name with a trade mark.

A simple search of registered business names can be done through Companies House website. In addition, a search can be conducted through Nominet UK, the UK’s largest registrar of domain names, to ensure that your mark is not already being used by another party. Any use of a domain that is linked to a registered trade mark can constitute infringement therefore it is always best to do a search before you use any domain without being sure it is free to use.

The best course of action you can take to ensure that you deal with everything in the right way is to gain professional advice. Trade mark experts, such as The Trademarkroom, can not only aid you in the creation of your mark and the submitting of your application but we can also ensure that all the necessary steps are taken when it comes to gaining a domain as well as registering your company at Companies House.

For more information or guidance, contact The Trademarkroom today!

By Ellis Sweetenham