One IBC: How to apply for a trademark in Australia

It can be said that the trademark is a symbol of the strength and pride of any business. Therefore, registering for a trademark is a way to protect your business assets when you are conducting business overseas.

With the aim of making a sea change for global brands, One IBC - an international corporate service provider, offers trademark registration service in Australia for businesses.

Take a closer look at 4 simple steps to register for an Australian trademark with One IBC.

Steps to register for a trademark in Australia with One IBC

Step 1: Learn about trademark

Before registering, it's a good idea to learn about trademarks in Australia. You will provide One IBC with a description of the goods or services that you intend to register for trademarks in Australia.

Goods and services registered for trademark protection in Australia are divided into 45 classes. A registered trademark can be a sign that includes words, phrases, movements, sounds, images, smells, or even a combination of these elements.

One IBC will assist customers to identify the classes of goods/services they want to register for trademarks in Australia.

Step 2: Do a trademark search

Next, One IBC assists you to conduct the detailed research to make sure the trademark is valid to register. The preliminary search will find out:

• Whether your trademark is distinguishable from other goods or services;
• Your trademark is not allowed to register;
• Similar registered trademarks in Australia, or pending applications, that may conflict with yours.

One IBC ensures a detailed search of the trademark you wish to register, as it is searching not only for an identical sign, but also similar trademarks which potentially prevent you from successfully registering for trademark protection in Australia.

Many industries in Australia are attractive to global investors

Step 3: Register a trademark in Australia

There are 2 common ways to apply for a trademark in Australia online. Each method has slightly different requirements and fees:

1. Register via standard online application process (Standard service): using “online services”. By using standard service, it is made publicly shortly after submitting the application. Once it is published, only very minor changes can be made.
2. Register via TM Headstart service: provides an assessment of your application before you officially apply using online services

With the TM Headstart service, your request is not published until you pay the fee. This means you have a wider range of options to overcome potential barriers to registration. You can amend your trade mark and/or add new classes to your request. The fee of TM Headstart service is slightly higher than standard service.

In addition, there is Trade Mark Assist tool which allows you to learn more about your trademark, and identify the goods and services you wish to protect.

Customers shall need to provide One IBC below information:

• Details of the trademark registrant (name, address, passport...);
• Sample, description of goods/services to be registered;
• List of goods/services to be protected along with the trademark;
• Filling the information in the form, power of attorney (One IBC prepares);

After paying the fees of trademark registration in Australia as per One IBC's tariff, customers can rest assured that we will proceed with the necessary registration steps.

Registering trademark in Australia is the key to success for global businesses

Step 4: Complete the registration

It usually takes at least 3-4 months to examine your trade mark application once it has been submitted. If the trademark application is accepted; The IP Australia will notify in writing through online services.

Within the period of 2 months, if there is no objection or reason to withdraw the trademark; all mandatory fees are paid; then your trademark will be registered for protection in Australia.

Trademarks once registered for protection in Australia will be valid for 10 years and can be renewed for a further period of 10 years with a renewal fee.

Please contact One IBC via Hotline +65 6591 9991 or email [email protected] for our further advice about trademark registration in Australia.