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Trademark: what should I check before filing?

Most trade mark problems start before filing: a mark that is too descriptive, a conflict nobody searched for, or an application in the wrong name.

Think carefully before filing in a founder's personal name.

Moderate complexity - several routes or missing facts

  • Whoever is named as applicant becomes the owner of the registration.
  • If the company will use the mark, either file in the company's name, or put a written licence or assignment in place from the start.
  • Investors and buyers usually check that the brand is owned by the company.

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