INTERNATIONAL
TRADEMARK
REGISTRATION
Expert trademark registration services. No matter where you are.
FREEDOM
INTEGRITY
OPENNESS
Versus.Network is an international association of licensed trademark attorneys with expertise in international trademark registration.
Our mission is to make trademark registration available and transparent, no matter the jurisdiction, trademark protection system, or type of trademark.
Our goal is to support trademark registration efforts worldwide and ensure our clients do not have to delve into the legal intricacies of a particular country.
Versus.Network membership is voluntary.
Our client relationships are based on honesty and integrity.
We are open to challenges and finding new solutions.
Our client relationships are based on honesty and integrity.
We are open to challenges and finding new solutions.
Who We Are
Our Mission and Goal
Our Principles
No matter your location, a Versus.Network partner will take you through your trademark registration process with comprehensive professional support.
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION
IN FOUR STEPS
Trademark objection reply
Where grounds for refusal of a trademark registration exist, the registry will inform you of this and set the deadline for your reply. Our team will analyse the grounds for refusal, come up with a comprehensive strategy and prepare a reasoned reply.
Application examination
The national registry will confirm that the statutory fees have been paid and that your application is correct. It will then proceed to formal and substantive examination of your application. The registry will consider if there are grounds for refusing the application.
Preparation of documents
Our experts will prepare the necessary documentation and collect information about the applicant. We will provide a detailed list of the goods and services to be protected under The Nice Classification and assist you with the fees.
Expert trademark review
We will carry out an initial review and develop a comprehensive strategy to overcome obstacles before you file an application to minimise risk of objection and maximise chances of a successful registration.
1
2
3
4
1
Expert trademark review
We will carry out an initial review and develop a comprehensive strategy to overcome obstacles before you file an application to minimise risk of objection and maximise chances of a successful registration.
2
Preparation of documents
Our experts will prepare the necessary documentation and collect information about the applicant. We will provide a detailed list of the goods and services to be protected under The Nice Classification and assist you with the fees.
3
Application examination
The national registry will confirm that the statutory fees have been paid and that your application is correct. It will then proceed to formal and substantive examination of your application. The registry will consider if there are grounds for refusing the application.
4
Trademark objection reply
Where grounds for refusal of a trademark registration exist, the registry will inform you of this and set the deadline for your reply. Our team will analyse the grounds for refusal, come up with a comprehensive strategy and prepare a reasoned reply.
UAE
USA
China
France
UK
COUNTRY GUIDELINES
Trademark registration in UAE is subject to restrictions imposed by cultural and religious rules.
An example: Logos featuring a bottle of alcohol or a pig/pork are not registrable.
An example: Logos featuring a bottle of alcohol or a pig/pork are not registrable.
UAE
U.S. court decisions show that, despite it might hurt somebody's feelings, it is possible to trademark "immoral" words and symbols.
An example: The United States Supreme Court ruled that the refusal to trademark "The Slants" and "FUCT" brands was unconstitutional. As a result, both marks were registered in the USA and are in use (Registration Number 5332283 and 5934763, respectively).
An example: The United States Supreme Court ruled that the refusal to trademark "The Slants" and "FUCT" brands was unconstitutional. As a result, both marks were registered in the USA and are in use (Registration Number 5332283 and 5934763, respectively).
USA
The registration of a trademark in Mainland China does not apply to Hong Kong and Macau.
Macau is a former colony of Portugal. Apart from Chinese, it accepts applications in Portuguese. Trademark applications are filed on a single class basis.
Chinese trademark squatters often use shell companies registered in Hong Kong to shield from prosecution. A squatter claims that the infringing designation is the name of a Hong Kong registered company, not a trademark. This entails that the matter does not fall within the jurisdiction of Mainland China.
Macau is a former colony of Portugal. Apart from Chinese, it accepts applications in Portuguese. Trademark applications are filed on a single class basis.
Chinese trademark squatters often use shell companies registered in Hong Kong to shield from prosecution. A squatter claims that the infringing designation is the name of a Hong Kong registered company, not a trademark. This entails that the matter does not fall within the jurisdiction of Mainland China.
China
In France, the distinctiveness of a trademark is assessed on the date of filing an application.
An example: Bateaux Mouches are open excursion boats operating on the river Seine. The trademark was registered by the company owner in 1950 in relation to transportation services by tourist boats. The word combination translates as a "tourist boat", so it is generic for all tourist boats operating on the River Seine. This has raised numerous issues over the mark's distinctive character. In particular, the court repeatedly refused to register this trademark for shipbuilding services.
An example: Bateaux Mouches are open excursion boats operating on the river Seine. The trademark was registered by the company owner in 1950 in relation to transportation services by tourist boats. The word combination translates as a "tourist boat", so it is generic for all tourist boats operating on the River Seine. This has raised numerous issues over the mark's distinctive character. In particular, the court repeatedly refused to register this trademark for shipbuilding services.
France
Post-Brexit UK law incorporates new rules regulating the protection of trademarks registered in EU after 31 December, 2020.
Those who hold such trademarks or applied for EU trademark registration after 31 December, 2020, should file a separate application to be registered in the UK. Owners of trademarks registered in the UK prior to 31 December, 2020, will pay a renewal fee.
Those who hold such trademarks or applied for EU trademark registration after 31 December, 2020, should file a separate application to be registered in the UK. Owners of trademarks registered in the UK prior to 31 December, 2020, will pay a renewal fee.
UK
if you want to register your trademark or become a member of Versus.Network
CONTACT US
© 2016 - 2022 Versus.legal
Website Design by
