Do you have to register your brand name as a trademark? No you don’t, but then you’re opening up yourself to massive risk, because somebody else could have a trademark registered which is identical to the brand that you’re using. If that happens, even if they register it after you started using it, they would have a trademark registration, and you would be infringing their trademark.
So, no, you don’t have to register your trademark, but it is a great idea because what it does, is it protects you from trademark infringement. It also ensures that your competitors can’t steal your brand and it actually adds value to your business. So you don’t have to register a trademark, just like you don’t have to insure your house, it’s a very good idea.
Also if you get to the stage where you want to sell your business, or maybe you want investors, having a trademark registration will add value to your business. My name is Cathryn Warburton and I am the Legal Lioness.
