Trademark Protection Strategies in Ireland: Expert Advice from Dublin’s Legal Professionals
When you’re getting your business off the ground, you need to be aware that there are several different ways to protect your brand. If you’re considering registering a trademark in Ireland, it’s important to know what a trademark is and which type of protection suits your company best. In this article we’ll explain what a trademark is and how it differs from other types of intellectual property rights such as copyright and patents.
What is a Trademark?
Trademarks are signs used to distinguish the goods or services of one person or organization from those of another. They can be words, phrases, logos, symbols, designs or even a combination of these elements.
For example:
- The name Coca-Cola is a trademark for a soft drink produced by The Coca-Cola Company.
- The phrase “I’m Lovin’ It” was registered as a trademark for use on McDonald’s restaurant promotional items such as T-shirts and hats by its parent company in the United States in 2008; however it is not currently protected outside that country because it failed to acquire distinctiveness through use there (i.e., people did not associate those words with McDonald’s).
What is a Registered Trademark?
A registered trademark is a formal recognition of a trademark. It protects against infringement, unauthorised use and third party registration of your mark. It also prevents dilution of the goodwill associated with your brand name or logo by others who may try to pass off their products or services as yours.
Registered Trademarks can be used throughout Europe and many other parts of the world which have signed up to international treaties protecting intellectual property rights such as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) and Madrid Agreement Concerning International Registration Of Marks (1891).
How to Apply for a Trademark in Ireland?
The application process is the same as in other EU countries, but there are some differences. The first step is to submit a trademark application form with details of your mark and its use. You will also need to provide evidence that you have used your trademark within Ireland or another member state of the EU before you can apply for registration.
If your application meets all the requirements, it will be published in one or more official publications by IP Ireland (formerly known as Patents Office). This gives third parties notice of both your intention to register a trademark and details about how they might oppose or object against such registration if they wish (see below).
Copyright Protection in Ireland
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship. Copyright protection begins as soon as you create your work, and lasts for 70 years after the death of the author.
Copyright law protects literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works (including computer programs). It also protects sound recordings, films and broadcasts but not broadcasts made over the internet because there are no physical copies involved in this case. Copyright does not apply to business names or titles used by newspapers or magazines unless they have become well known through repeated use over time (this is called “acquired distinctiveness”).
Copyright Registration in Ireland
Copyright Registration in Ireland
Copyright Protection in Ireland
Copyright Protection in the EU
Copyright Protection in the World
How to Protect Your Copyright?
How to Register Your Copyright?
How do I apply for a copyright in Ireland?
Get the right advice before applying for your trademark
Getting the right advice is crucial. As you may know, a trademark Ireland is a word or words that distinguish your products and services from those of others. A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights in the EU to use your mark in relation to goods or services covered by it.
You will also be able to prevent other companies from using confusingly similar signs when they are selling similar products or services. This helps to avoid confusion among consumers about who is behind particular goods or services and ensures that they receive quality products/services at all times.
If you want to apply for a trademark in Ireland, contact our experienced team today!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has been helpful in explaining what you need to know about trademarks and copyright registration in Ireland. If you have any questions, please contact us
