Ensure strong trademark protection
A strong trademark protection strategy is vital for businesses that want to prevent others from using their brand name or logo. By registering a trademark, you gain exclusive rights to its use and can take legal action to stop competitors from using similar or identical marks.
A trademark can include words, symbols, logos, slogans, or a combination of these. It can also be specific colors, shapes, or sounds associated with your products or services. The primary purpose of a trademark is to establish a clear and distinctive identity for your business and products, setting you apart from competitors.
Why trademark protection is important
Trademark protection grants you exclusive rights to use your brand for the goods and services it’s registered under. This means no one else can use a confusingly similar mark. If someone uses your trademark without permission, you can take legal action to stop them and seek compensation for damages.
How to register your trademark in Sweden
1. Preliminary research
Before registering, check whether a similar trademark is already registered. You can search databases maintained by national offices, like the Swedish Intellectual Property Office (PRV), or international authorities like the EUIPO.
2. Filing a trademark application
Submit your application to the PRV for trademark protection in Sweden or to the EUIPO if you want EU-wide protection. Your application should clearly describe your trademark and specify the goods and services it covers.
3. Examination and publication
PRV or EUIPO will examine your application to ensure it meets all requirements. If approved, your trademark will be published in official bulletins (e.g., Svensk Varumärkestidning), allowing other businesses to monitor new trademarks for potential conflicts.
4. Registration and protection
Once approved, your trademark will be registered, granting you exclusive rights. The registration lasts for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely in ten-year increments.
What happens if someone uses your trademark without permission?
If someone uses your trademark without authorization, they infringe upon your exclusive rights. In that case, you can send the infringer a warning letter demanding them to stop using your mark or file a lawsuit to stop further unauthorized use. If you were to win the case, you could also recieve compensation for losses or harm caused by the unauthorized use.
What we help with when it comes to trademark protection
Legal advice and strategy
We guide you on how best to protect your trademark and navigate the registration process.
Filing applications
We assist with preparing and submitting accurate trademark applications, including the classification of goods and services.
Handling disputes
If someone infringes your trademark or opposes your application, we defend your rights and help resolve disputes.
Get legal help today
Do you need help with trademark protection? You can always get in contact with our lawyers within just 24 hours when you need quick answers to your questions. Or you can email or call us whenever you need to hire a lawyer for legal assistance.
FAQ about trademark protection
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive sign, like a logo or name, that differentiates your products or services from others in the market.
How long does trademark protection in Sweden last?
Trademark protection in Sweden lasts ten years from the registration date. You can renew it indefinitely in ten-year increments.
What can I do if someone uses my trademark without permission?
You can take legal action to stop unauthorized use and claim damages for any harm caused.
