International Trademarks: Why Should I File Internationally?
You have taken the first step and registered your trademark in the United States, but what is next? International trademarks have become increasingly more crucial than ever. International Trademark protection is a key part to ensuring your brand is safeguarded across borders. International Trademarks are required to protect distribution venues and to protect your infringement worldwide.
1. Expand Global Markets
o A strong international trademark strategy ensures that your brand is recognized in all markets you plan to enter. Without filing a trademark specifically with a specific Country, you are at risk for being copied, diluted as well as registered by competitors in foreign jurisdictions.
o Key Tip: File your trademark with all countries you may want to sell or offer your service in to ensure another business does not file first.
2. Mitigate Risk of Infringement
o In many countries you may unknowingly infringe on an existing trademark because you may not be familiar with the local trademark rules and regulations and registered marks.
o Key Tip: By securing protection in all key countries, you reduce the risk of trademark disputes or the inability to file for a trademark at a future date due to the name already being in-use in that country.
3. Maintain Brand Consistency
o If a trademark is not protected in any given market or country, it gives third parties the right to use similar marks or names that may cause confusion among your customers or clients.
o Key Tip: International protection in potential markets helps ensure that your brand can remain consistent worldwide and across all borders.
4. Increase Business Value
o A trademark can become a key asset when negotiating licensing deals or selling your business. International protection ensures that the value of your IP is preserved across all potential markets
o Key Tip: If you plan to expand your brand even a decade later, file the trademark early to protect your brands value in that specific Country.
International registration mitigates risk of infringement and unauthorized use of your brand. Registering internationally early on allows you to expand into new markets in the future with the ability to remain consistent with your brand logo and advertising means, without worrying about another localized companies’ usage of the trademark. International trademark protecting can be completed in a number of ways and is a way for you to protect your brand across all potential and future markets.
Make Your Trademark, LLC