#2: Registering your trade mark to protect your business identity

Explore what trade marks are and how they can safeguard your business identity.  In this episode, trade mark examiners Simon Gough and Brooke Larnach from IP Australia join host Lisa Cohen (Director of Public Education) to explain how registered trade marks can help protect your brand. You’ll learn what a trade mark is, how to register one and how trade mark protection can support your business strategy, help you stand out in the market and grow with confidence. Practical examples are shared, including how businesses like Huskee and Soap de Villa protect their brand names and logos through comprehensive trade mark registration. Our examiners also draw on their experience reviewing hundreds of trade mark applications to highlight common misconceptions and key things to avoid when applying for a trade mark. In this episode, we explore: (01:42) Trade mark basics and common misconceptions (06:41) Benefits of registering a trade mark   (09:53) The difference between a registered business name and a registered trade mark (12:33) International trade mark protection (17:32) Defining trade mark distinctiveness (20:40) Huskee and Soap de Villa’s approach to brand protection (22:13) Choosing the right classes for your goods and services (31:53) What to do if someone infringes on your trade mark. Further reading: Trade Marks Case Studies Trade mark timeframes and fees What are classes of goods and services? Get professional assistance with your IP The Madrid System Tools to explore: TM Checker: Free trade mark availability check Trade Marks Classification Search Australian Trade Mark Search .au Domain Administration | auDA Get a free consultation with IPTA IP Australia First Response Small Business, Big Dreams brochure For general enquiries about intellectual property, call 1300 651 010 or email [email protected]  Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is intended only to provide generalised information about intellectual property principles, and is not to be taken as legal, business or other professional advice. We do not accept legal responsibility regarding the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, and if you require guidance specific to your situation, you should consider seeking professional advice.