As an entrepreneur you invest time, energy and money in your company. You build up a good name, creating economic value. This value lies in the trade name of your company, the name of your product or service or in the logo. Maybe all three. You don't want a third party piggy-backing on your efforts.
It therefore makes sense to protect your trade name, brand name and logo. Doing so puts you in a position whereby you can take action against anyone counterfeiting or using them without your authorisation.
Registration at the Chamber of Commerce or the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (KBO, Belgium) and registering your domain name are a very good start, but they do not provide trademark protection for your trade name or logo.
Are you looking for optimal protection for your name or logo? If so, apply to register a trademark. You can register both your trade name and the logo of your product, service or company as a trademark.
Why opt to register your trademark?
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Monopoly on the trademark
Registering secures your exclusive right to use your trademark to promote the goods and services covered by the registration. -
Protection against unauthorised use
By registering, you are in a better position to take action against those who want to piggy-back on your success. -
Sign of professionalism
You can leverage your trademark registration by using the ® mark. It conveys professionalism and will inspire confidence in your clients. -
A trademark is valuable
A registered ® trademark is a valuable asset. Selling or licensing your trademark becomes more lucrative.
Upon successful completion of the registration procedure, your trademark will be entered in the official Benelux Trademarks Register.
Apply to register a trademark in four steps
Registration protects an important asset: your trademark. The registration process does, however, involve some time and effort. Costs also apply. Follow the steps below to check what options and opportunities are open to you.
Maintaining a trademark
Has your trademark been registered? If so, it's important to maintain your trademark registration. This involves using your trademark actively, being vigilant that no one else uses it, and, if they do, taking action against them. You can maintain it yourself, or you can use the services of an external IP professional.
Trademark registration outside the Benelux
You can apply to register a trademark for the Benelux at BOIP. Do you (also) want to register your trademark outside the Benelux? If so, you can register it for the entire European Union, for example, or for specific countries inside or outside the European Union.
