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I have a site that is really starting to take off and I've noticed people are starting to use the name in ways I don't like. Basically harming the brand.. I want to trademark the name, but have a few questions.. Do I have to register the trademark in every country? Is there an 'international trademark' I can register somewhere..? The site is used worldwide.. |
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Generally trademark have to be registered separately for each country AFAIK. For US have a look at http://www.uspto.gov/ For EU:
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No there is not an international trademark and if you want a registered trademark you must register in each country. Note that in the US and some other countries you have a trademark merely by using the mark in commerce. You thus already have a trademark. What you are looking to get now is a registered trademark, which has some benefits over an unregistered (i.e. common law) trademark. See here for the benefits of registering in the U.S. Some countries (e.g., in Europe) don't have common law trademark rights, and if you want trademark rights you must register. If you were the first to use your mark and others are copying you in the U.S., you can send out a cease and desist letter right away. You don't need to wait until you get your registration, which might take six months. |
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