What is a trademark and why should you register it?

Introduction:

Imagine that one day you wake up and discover that someone else is using your business name, selling similar products and confusing your customers. That is, he is posing as your company. Do you have a way to defend yourself?

Many people think that having social networks or a website is enough to protect their brand... but the legal reality is quite different.

A brand isn't just a pretty name or an eye-catching logo. It's the Distinctive sign that allows your customers to identify your products or services against those of your competitors. It can be a word, image, symbol, smell, sound, or even a combination of these elements. But it's not enough just to use it: you must register it.

Having an unregistered trademark is like having a house without deeds.

Can you imagine building a business on legally insecure terrain?

Below, we explain why registering your trademark is not optional, but a necessity.

Three key reasons to register your trademark:

1. It gives you exclusive use rightsNo one else will be able to use your brand - or a similar one - within your same business.
2. You prevent someone else from getting ahead of youIf someone else registers it before you, you may lose the right to use it and, worse, be punished for its unauthorized use.
3. Protect your investment and reputationYour brand is a valuable asset. If you don't register it, you have no way of legally defending it.

Even if you've been using your trademark for years, if it's not registered with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), legally it's not yours.

Even worse: someone else could register it and demand that you stop using it. This would not only affect your image, but also your sales, social networks, web domain... and it could lead to a lawsuit!

In addition, not all brands are registrable. The IMPI evaluates specific legal criteria, and this is where the real risk begins if you don't have the right support.

Conclusion:

Before investing more time or money in building a brand, make sure it belongs to you legally.

At Rodríguez, Manzano and García, we have helped entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs like you to protect their brands from the start.

Schedule a consultation with us, we will tell you if your brand is viable, how to protect it and we will accompany you throughout the process.