It is important to register your trademark in order to enjoy exclusive use and legal protection against unlawful use of your trademark by third parties. Having exclusive use of trademark not only protects but also grows your brand since it will be wholly associated with your business. Since the protection is confined only to the jurisdiction in which your trademark is registered, it is important to register your trademark in all jurisdictions/ territories where your mark will be in use.

Procedure

After the trademark has been successfully filed, an advertisement notice will be issued by the Trademarks Office and upon publication of the notice, third parties will have an opportunity to oppose the registration of the trademark within a stipulated time by filing an opposition. A Registration Certificate will be issued if no opposition is filed during the stipulated period and you will enjoy exclusive use and protection during a set period of time, usually ten years, which is subject to renewal should you wish to do so.