Practice area 05
Trademark Registration and Protection
Choosing what to protect and where, getting it registered, and keeping the portfolio enforceable as the business grows.
An artist name, label or project name is usually the most valuable asset a creative business owns, and the one most often left unprotected until somebody else registers it.
We advise on what is worth registering and in which territories, coordinate searches and clearance, support applications, and act in opposition and infringement matters.
Clients usually come to us when
- You are launching a name and want to know whether it is available and protectable.
- Someone has applied to register a name you have been using.
- Your mark is being used by another business in your sector.
- You are expanding into new territories and the existing registration does not cover them.
- A portfolio has grown without a plan and needs reviewing before renewals.
What we can help with
- Preliminary trademark strategy
- Coordination of searches and clearance
- Application support in relevant jurisdictions
- Opposition and infringement matters
- Brand protection
- Portfolio management and renewals
How we approach it
We start with what the business actually needs protected rather than filing everywhere by default. Searches inform whether a mark is worth pursuing before costs are committed, and filings are prioritised by commercial importance.
What we cannot promise. Registration is never guaranteed: applications can be refused or opposed. Not every filing can be made directly in every country, and some jurisdictions require a local agent, whom we instruct and coordinate.
Common questions
Can you file a trademark anywhere in the world?
Not directly. Many jurisdictions require a locally qualified representative. Where that applies, we instruct and coordinate local agents and manage the process for you.
Someone registered my artist name. Is it lost?
Not necessarily. Earlier use, bad faith and non-use can all be relevant. It needs assessing on the facts and the sooner the better, as some routes are time-limited.
Should I register before or after launching?
Before, where possible. Clearance before launch is considerably cheaper than rebranding or disputing afterwards.
Related practice areas
Copyright Protection and Content Removal
Establishing what you own, acting against unauthorised use, and responding when a claim against your work is wrong.
Royalties and Withheld Funds
Reading what the statements actually say, testing it against the contract, and pursuing payments that are being withheld.
Music, Licensing and Commercial Agreements
Drafting and negotiating the agreements that decide who owns the work, who may use it, where, for how long, and on what terms.