It is not uncommon for business owners to consider whether to register the trademark of their business at some point. In this era where information is widely available online, audiences are more knowledgeable about the importance of trademark registration, making it less unfamiliar to the public.
Due to this, many business owners often make a mental note that someday, perhaps when their business is thriving, they will proceed to register their trademark to safeguard their business interests.
However, in reality, it’s typically only when they’re ready to register a trademark that business owners engage a trademark agent to conduct a search. At this stage, they often discover that their brand name bears similarity to another registered trademark or that their trademark design closely resembles another registered trademark.
Therefore, their journey towards trademark registration becomes an uphill task, involving additional expenses to overcome provisional refusals by the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation, as well as objections from other registered trademark owners.
The good news is that all these unnecessary hassle and trouble can be avoided by getting the sequence of events right. The main question is, when should a business owner start considering trademarking their brand?
Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi Group, once said in an interview about how startups should name their brands. He stated, “A good brand name must be catchy and meaningful, with available trademarks and corresponding domain names… You can see that every successful company has an awesome name.” From Lei Jun’s perspective, he suggests that when startups are naming their brands, they should already consider whether the intended brand can be trademarked (credits of https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=AKuZ6fIInXk).
Lei Jun, known for his astute investment strategies, further underlined the importance of a well-chosen brand name. He emphasized that when he invests in a company, he always advocates for a perfect brand name. He considers whether he can register the trademark and secure the brand domain name. If not, he refuses to use that brand name. This approach reflects his commitment to ensuring the long-term viability and protection of the brands he invests in.
This serves as a compelling example of how crucial it is to address trademark issues early in the process of establishing your brand.
In conclusion, the insights provided by Lei Jun underscore the significance of considering trademark issues early in the branding process. His emphasis on securing a brand name with available trademarks and corresponding domain names highlights the importance of proactive trademark planning. By incorporating trademark considerations from the outset, businesses can avoid unnecessary hurdles and legal complications down the line.
If you require any assistance in conducting a trademark search, please do not hesitate to contact us.