Trademark registration now could prevent legal battles in the future
As new small business owners go through a lengthy checklist of important steps to get their venture of the ground, some are considering if trademark registration is right for their shop.
One small business expert, Susan Ward, says that while trademark registration might not be necessary, it could make good business sense.
In her post as small business expert for About.com, Ward says that trademark registration offers Canadian small business owners a number of valuable rights including the ability to use the trademark throughout Canada for 15 years.
Experts say trademark registration is one way to prevent brand confusion for already established local businesses considering a national expansion.
Trademark registration - a demonstrable sign of trademark ownership - also shifts the burden of proof to anyone challenging its use, says Ward.
An article earlier this year in the Ottawa Business Journal reminded business owners that having a trademark can prevent other businesses from using the same or similar name. The article says that trademark registration protects images, logos and slogans as well.
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