Your company’s logo or slogan is likely one of the more recognizable aspects of your brand. It aids in distinguishing your company from its competitors. It can help your brand remain memorable, which can lead to repeat business from existing customers as well as referrals to new ones. All of this has the potential of increasing your business’ value.
It’s not uncommon for a company’s competitors to try and capitalize on the success of others they believe are standing in their way of greatness. If another has begun trying to do this by using your company’s slogan, logo or intellectual property, you’ll need to be proactive in addressing it so that it doesn’t further damage your own brand.
How intellectual property protections work
As you are likely aware, there are various types of intellectual property rights. There are copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, all of which protect different types of unique creations or proprietary material.
It’s best if you take time to register each with the appropriate government office by filling out an application and paying a small fee. You don’t lose your right to hold someone who violates your rights accountable if you fail to go through this registration process.
You still have a right to put any parties violating your intellectual property rights on notice of their infringement. One of the first steps you should take is to send them a cease-and-desist note.
You may elect to move forward in filing a lawsuit only if the other party doesn’t stop using your intellectual property. If you find yourself having to resort to this, then you might also be entitled to recoup any profits you have lost due to this impropriety.
Take time to learn more about the requirements to safeguard your intellectual property rights before determining how you should proceed in your infringement case.