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howdy all

Just wondering if anyone where has had any experience with trademarks. What to look out for, what questions to ask, where to go, what category codes/classifications to apply for. Am i able to add to it later, say trademark a name then later on add a logo and so on.

Any info from anyone who has gone through the process is much appreciated.

cheers.

In Australia, copyright is automatic, and as long as you keep evidence of when you created it, it can easily be defended. One thing people suggest is to write down the details of your copyright + any evidence, then put it in the mail and post it to yourself. It'll get a post mark from Australia Post and when it gets delivered leave it sealed and file it away in case you ever need it.

The trademark system provides a register that will curb people accidently stepping on your toes, and provides a formal set of evidence in the event of you needing to enforce your intellectual property.

The IP Australia (www.ipaustralia.gov.au) website doesn't give up its full list of trademarkable categories easily, but with a bit of searching, you can get what you want out of the database. Getting your trademark lodged is straight forward, then it will take a few months (to allow time for it to be disputed) before you get issued with your certificate. It costs a couple of hundred dollars, depending on how many categories you issue your trademark against.

Also, the people at IP Australia are very friendly and are happy to chat - just be prepared for long phone ques and full 24 hour response times. Other than IP Australia, most people out there are sharks hoping to provide you with the same service for extra money. While I'm not saying don't speak to lawyers, don't pay middle men to lodge your trademark.

thanks james!...yeah theres some sites like trademarkit that charge for services to cross check yours against others on top of the actual registering fee. adds up to just under 1k, obviously if i can save some bucks walkin the hard yard myself then i will..ha.

Will definitly give ip australia a visit.

thanks again.