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細談商業資訊, 市場推廣, 開拓生意機會
申請中國商標要注意什麼？
商標是商品的生產者和經營者為了讓自己生產或者經營的商品，與其他的商品區分開來而使用的一種標記。這種標記可以是中文、英文、數位或者是圖形，當然也可以是其中多種以上的組合。其實就是企業的品牌和牌子，那麼接下來我們就來看看申請中國商標要注意什麼？
申請前
若是個人來申請中國商標的話，需要個體戶營業執照以及個人的身份證。若是公司申請中國商標的話，則需要公司的營業執照。之後需要確定一個需要註冊的品牌名字或者是圖形標誌，建議大家最好是多備幾個以免他人已經搶先註冊了。
然後可以將確定好的商標名稱進行查詢檢索，看看該商標註冊成功的幾率大不大，要知道商標不是100%就可以註冊成功的，那麼在這之前也要做好心理準備。商標檢索完成若是風險不高的話，之後就可以進行申請了。
申請中
需要將用到的註冊資料整理好，交給代理機構他們就可以幫你在網上進行申報，網上申報的速度是比較快的，並且也能保證申請商標的權利，現如今基本上所有的代理機構都是通過網上進行商標註冊申請申報的。
要注意的是只有經過國家商標局備案的代理機構，才擁有在網上進行商標申報的資質，因此大家在選擇商標註冊代理機構的時候，一定要注意這個代理機構是否經過了國家商標局的備案。
申請後
一般來說中國商標的有效期都是10年，在期滿前的一年若是你需要繼續使用的話，那麼就要對商標進行續展了，續展的時間仍舊是10年。若是在期限內沒有完成續展的話，那麼你的商標就失效了。
同時註冊成功的商標若是不使用的話，可以進行轉讓賣給他人也能得到一些經濟收益。
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
Mistakes Derailing Your Trademark Application
Yes, you may have a unique trademark – or at least, you think you have it. But before making brash decisions, you should take a step back and remember that the Patent and Trademark Office doesn’t mess around when it comes to the registration process. You may think that it’s easy enough, especially after reading countless articles on the subject matter, but it isn’t because of the strict filing requirements and the bureaucratic procedures.
Arguably, the worst mistakes that you can do before filing a trademark application are these two things.
Not Hiring An Experienced Trademark Agent or Attorney
Keep in mind that the trademark application process is a legal proceeding protected by the trademark laws. As such, individuals, groups and organizations can be subjected to penalties including fines, surcharges and suspensions in case of violations of trademark laws.
As such, it’s of crucial importance to hire an experienced agent or attorney with a valid license to practice trademark law. Better yet, hire an experienced trademark agent or attorney with a proven track record of success in the field, if you want to increase your chance of success in getting your trademark registered.
Of course, you can file the application on your own but there are many pitfalls to such a do-it-yourself approach. You may well find that the documentary requirements can be voluminous and stringent while the process can be bureaucratic. You won’t likely have the right knowledge and skills to deal with the legal process and, thus, make a mess of it. Your trademark application can be delayed and its registration jeopardized.
Not Checking That Your Mark Can Be Registered
Your trademark application must be in compliance with many legal requirements before it can be approved for registration. You don’t just fill in the forms, whether you’re filing online or in paper, even if you’re in a hurry to claim the mark (i.e., competitors are using a similar one), lest you find yourself in a bind.
In this regard, you have to ask yourself several questions including:
- Can your mark actually be registered under the rules and regulations?
- Can you identify the good and/or services covered by your mark?
- Can you determine the filing basis for your initial application?
Your trademark agent or attorney can answer these questions and provide guidance on several related matters. With your trademark registered, you have the assurance that your brand names including the slogans and logos used on your products and/or services will be protected from unauthorized use by other entities.
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
如何註冊香港商標？
香港法律對商標申請人主體的資格是沒有特殊要求的，只要是自然人或者是法人團體都可以申請註冊香港商標。並且法律也沒有規定商標申請人必須要使用自己申請的商標，只要申請人在註冊的時候指出使用或者是擬使用就可以了。那麼接下來我們就來看看如何註冊香港商標。
第一步：香港商標查詢
主要就是查詢香港商標是否重複，從香港知識產權署那裡就可以得到商標註冊記錄的報告，以及是否可以進行註冊的初步意見。之後再到政府申請查詢服務，這樣整個申請註冊過程的風險都被降低了。
第二步：確定香港商標名稱及設計
商標的名稱一定要避免和商品的功能聯繫在一起，而商標的設計更要突出商品的主題並且要合理佈局。
第三步：提交申請
申請人需要提交的資料一定要全面，包括申請人資格證明資料、清晰的商標圖樣以及委託辦理合同等，同時也需要繳納相關的費用。
第四步：受理通知
香港知識產權署在收到商標註冊申請資料之後，就會給予你一個申請的編號，之後就會發放受理通知書，前後時間不會超過一個星期。
第五步：進行審查
在審查的過程中，香港商標註冊處會查詢有關商標，是否符合《商標條例》所制定的註冊規定。
第六步：註冊成功
商標在註冊申請被核准之後，就會將該商標的詳細記錄在冊，並且也會向申請人發出商標註冊證明書。
註冊香港商標的詳細流程就是這六步，註冊香港商標可以通過自行辦理或者是委託商標代理機構進行辦理，若是缺乏這方面的專業知識及辦理經驗的話，找專業的商標代理機構來辦理會更加順利，保障更全面。
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
The Types Of United States Patents Explained Briefly
According to the United States patent law, inventors can secure and protect their rights to their works by applying for a patent. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) classifies patents into four different types and an inventor can apply for one or two patents, such as a utility patent and provisional patent.
Utility Patent
When people think of a patent, it’s most likely that they are referring to or thinking of a utility patent. Keep in mind that a utility patent is a lengthy technical document with details about the use of a new machine, system, or process. The document can contain descriptions, drawings and images of the invention, a must for its registration.
Congress defines the kinds of inventions covered by utility patents. But with Internet-delivered software, the Internet of Things, and genetic engineering, among other emerging technologies, the definition is being challenged.
Provisional Patent
Under the patent law, an inventor can file a less formal document as proof that he was in possession of the invention and he had sufficient knowledge of how to make it work (i.e., the utility requirement). This is known as a provisional patent, which goes hand in hand with a utility patent.
Let’s say that you filed a provisional patent for your invention. When it’s on file, your patent is considered as pending and you have the applicable property rights to your invention. You should file a formal utility patent within one year from filing the provisional patent.
Design Patent
The design patent doesn’t need to meet the utility requirement since it protects decorative design on a utilitarian item. The typical design patent document consists almost entirely of drawings or pictures with a few words and, thus, these are notoriously difficult to search on the USPTO database.
This can be applied for a wide range of ideas and items. These include the design for shoes, the shape of a designer bottle, and even user interfaces.
Plant Patent
A plant patent is obviously designed to protect new types of plants that have been produced through non-sexual methods, such as cuttings. Emphasis must be made that it generally covers conventional horticulture and not genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
You don’t have to be limited to filing a single patent on an invention. You can actually file two patents for a single item!
You may file a provisional patent on your invention so you have one year to decide when and how to file its related utility patent. In doing so, you’re expanding patent protection and mitigating your risk of another person claiming the same or similar invention.
Regardless of the type of patent you chose, your main goal is to protect your invention from infringement by others. You will then have a higher chance of getting a good return on your investment once you start profiting from your invention.
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
Mistakes Derailing Your Trademark Application
Yes, you may have a unique trademark – or at least, you think you have it. But before making brash decisions, you should take a step back and remember that the Patent and Trademark Office doesn’t mess around when it comes to the registration process. You may think that it’s easy enough, especially after reading countless articles on the subject matter, but it isn’t because of the strict filing requirements and the bureaucratic procedures.
Arguably, the worst mistakes that you can do before filing a trademark application are these two things.
Not Hiring An Experienced Trademark Agent or Attorney
Keep in mind that the trademark application process is a legal proceeding protected by the trademark laws. As such, individuals, groups and organizations can be subjected to penalties including fines, surcharges and suspensions in case of violations of trademark laws.
As such, it’s of crucial importance to hire an experienced agent or attorney with a valid license to practice trademark law. Better yet, hire an experienced trademark agent or attorney with a proven track record of success in the field, if you want to increase your chance of success in getting your trademark registered.
Of course, you can file the application on your own but there are many pitfalls to such a do-it-yourself approach. You may well find that the documentary requirements can be voluminous and stringent while the process can be bureaucratic. You won’t likely have the right knowledge and skills to deal with the legal process and, thus, make a mess of it. Your trademark application can be delayed and its registration jeopardized.
Not Checking That Your Mark Can Be Registered
Your trademark application must be in compliance with many legal requirements before it can be approved for registration. You don’t just fill in the forms, whether you’re filing online or in paper, even if you’re in a hurry to claim the mark (i.e., competitors are using a similar one), lest you find yourself in a bind.
In this regard, you have to ask yourself several questions including:
- Can your mark actually be registered under the rules and regulations?
- Can you identify the good and/or services covered by your mark?
- Can you determine the filing basis for your initial application?
Your trademark agent or attorney can answer these questions and provide guidance on several related matters. With your trademark registered, you have the assurance that your brand names including the slogans and logos used on your products and/or services will be protected from unauthorized use by other entities.
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
Registering Your Trademark Is A Must
In a world obsessed with brands, both on the part of the producers and the consumers, even small businesses have to register trademark! The cost of not doing so can jeopardize the business, as illustrated by the case of Drop Anchor Brewing and Anchor Brewing Co.
A Good Example
Anchor Brewing Co., a large California-based brewery, sent Drop Anchor Brewing, a small Washington State-based craft brewery, a cease and desist letter asking it to stop using the word “Anchor” in its name. The former’s allegation was that it has federal trademark registration over the word and, thus, it has exclusive use of it in the beer industry. The result: Drop Anchor Brewing changed its name as well as everything else on its logo, signs, labels, taps, and even shirts to avoid a costly lawsuit – but the cost of these changes still cost it an arm and a leg.
This case illustrates the benefits of getting your trademark registered on one hand and the hazards of not doing so on the other hand.
A Host of Reasons to Register ASAP
Don’t think that Drop Anchor Brewing’s case won’t happen to you for whatever reason, such as you’re just a small company with a novel idea. You will be surprised at the intense competition for ideas, goods and services in the market so vigilance is the key.
Why register your brand or mark ASAP, if you haven’t done so yet? Here are four reasons to think about.
- Setting your brand for success
When you register your brand and its associated images as a trademark, you’re setting it up for success because a brand equals an identity. Your brand identity distinguishes your business and its products and/or services from the rest of the competition – and with a brand-obsessed society, such distinction is crucial to your success.
- Expanding your business
While you can have exclusive right to use your business name, you can only do so within the state where it’s registered, not on the federal level. Furthermore, your business may have common law trademark protection but it only applies to the geographic area where it’s been used.
When you decide to expand your business operations, particularly opening out-of-state branches, you may run into issues with competitors, consumers and government regulatory agencies. Your target customers, for example, may confuse your brand and business with other businesses with similar names or images. Your competitor with a federal trademark may also file a lawsuit, limit your operations, and/or force a name change, all of which will be costlier than if you registered your trademark at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the first place.
The bottom line: A trademark registration at the USPTO provides you and your business national exclusive rights over your brand and its related images. This alone comes with a wide range of benefits so act as soon as you can.
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
What Are The Types Of IP Protection right for you?
Patents, copyrights and trademarks are different from each other and each one serves a different purpose. All three, nonetheless, are forms of intellectual property (IP) protection that every individual with an invention, an idea, or a trademark should seriously consider.
Patents Are For Inventions
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues patents, the grant of property rights to an inventor. In general, a new patent has a term of 20 years from the date when its application for a patent was filed in the United States. In special cases, however, the term starts from the date an earlier related application was filed but the maintenance fees must be updated. Under certain circumstances, the patent holder can apply for patent term adjustments or extensions.
The patents filed with the USPTO are only effective within the United States as well as to its possessions and territories. Many, if not most, inventors then apply patents for their inventions in an international body to protect their inventions in certain jurisdictions.
The property rights conferred by a patent include “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the item covered in the United States, as well as from “importing” it into the United States. Keep in mind that what’s actually granted isn’t the right to make, use, sell, offer for sale, or import the item but the right to exclude others from doing so.
Trademarks Are for Words and Others
A trademark refers to a name, word, symbol or device used in trading products to indicate their source and to distinguish them from others. A servicemark is similar to a trademark but it’s used to distinguish the origin or source of a service, not a product. In most cases, a servicemark can also be called a trademark for convenience purposes.
Trademark rights can be used in preventing other individuals and organizations from the use of confusingly similar-looking or similar-sounding marks. But these aren’t intended to prevent others from manufacturing, selling and offering to sell the same products and/or services. For example, McDonald’s has a trademark so it has exclusive use to the brand and its related images but it doesn’t have the right to prevent KFC, Wendy’s and Five Guys to sell burgers, fries and shakes.
Copyrights Are for Original Works of Authorship
Copyrights are granted to authors or creators of “original works of authorship” that include but aren’t limited to literary, intellectual, musical, dramatic, and artistic works, both unpublished and published. Under the 1976 Copyright Act, the copyright owner has the exclusive right to his or her work, which can include reproduction of the copyrighted work, distribution of its copies, performance of the work in a public venue, preparation of derivative works, and display of the work publicly.
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
中國商標註冊攻略分享
現今人們的知識產權保護意識都是很強的，屬於企業自己的商標若是不經過註冊的話，那麼對該商標是不享受專用權的，也就是說別人也可以隨意進行使用或者註冊，那麼這對你的商品品質和信譽度都會有影響。註冊商標的重要性相信不用多說，但是商標註冊同時又是一個技巧，接下來我們就來看看中國商標註冊的一些技巧和攻略。
怎麼給商標起名字？
商標應該是具有合法性和顯著性的，並且也不能損害他人的利益，商標取名要在合法的前提下具備自己的特點，這樣對於之後的企業宣傳是很有幫助的。
如何進行中國商標查詢？
申請人在確定了自己商標顯著性的標誌之後，那麼在推出產品和推出服務之前，一定要查詢是否有人已經搶先註冊，這都也在中國商標局官網上進行查詢。同時在商標申請之後，也可以在官網上查詢辦理的情況和進度。
怎麼選擇商標的類別？
企業在註冊商標的時候要盡可能選擇與商品類別相對應的，並且也要盡可能地擴大註冊的範圍，最好是可以做到無縫隙的保護，有條件的企業可以申請全類註冊，也就是所有的商品和服務都註冊，這樣在任何產品和服務都有了專用權。
如何應對商標同日申請？
若是商標出現了同日申請的情況的話，那麼商標局首先就向會涉及同日申請的申請人發出商標註冊同日申請補送使用證據的通知書。那麼申請人就需要在規定的的時間內提供書面的商標使用證據。
怎麼讓商標具有排他性？
需要申請人詳細研究商標的類別表，“3503銷售（合同）代理”中的“推銷（替他人）350071”和“替他人作仲介（替其它企業購買商品和服務）350085”這兩個子類別，其含義就是為他人提供所需，只要顧客的需求是合法的、企業的服務是不違法的，那麼就可以使用這兩個類別來解析了。
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
註冊中國商標的好處和作用
商標作為一個企業的品牌和象徵，很多企業都會將前期的重心放在商標上。那麼註冊商標就成了每個公司和企業成立之初必須要做的事情，但是註冊商標也是一件很讓人頭大的事情。一般來說國內的公司都會選擇中國商標來註冊，下面我們就來看看註冊中國商標的好處和作用。
註冊中國商標的好處一：便於消費者認識牌子來購物，商標註冊人也擁有商標的專用權，更是受到法律的保護。
註冊中國商標的好處二：通過商標註冊可以創立屬於自己的品牌，搶先佔領中國市場。要知道商標是一種無形的資產，是可以對其進行價值評估的。
註冊中國商標的好處三：中國商標是可以通過轉讓許可給他人使用的，或者也可以抵押來實現其現今價值。並且商標也是辦理質檢、條碼以及衛檢的必備條件，各個地方工商局也是通過對商標的管理來監督產品的品質的。
企業註冊中國商標可以搶佔市場、拓展業務範圍，形成屬於自己的品牌形象；二是可以保護企業商標不受侵犯，也能保護品牌的價值不被盜取；三是註冊商標是入駐天貓等電子商城的必要條件。
註冊中國商標的作用：
商標註冊人是享有商標的專用權的，也有權許可他人使用那麼就可以獲得報酬。不同國家對商標權的保護期限是不同的，但是期滿之後只要另外付費就可以繼續使用了。
商標保護是由法院或者行政機關來實施的，而在大多數制度中法院和管理商標的政府機關，都是有權制裁商標侵權行為的，一般來說法院的裁決具有最終的效力。
從法律意義上來說註冊商標可以保護自己的商標不被他人使用，也可以不受任何個人或組織的侵犯，那麼就可以更好地維護商品的形象和聲譽了。
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
中國專利申請的程序
中國專利法規定的專利類型有發明專利、實用新型專利和外觀設計專利這三種，不同的專利類型申請的難度是不一樣的，不過專利申請的程序都是一樣的。申請專利之後就可以保護自己的科研成果，也可以獲取壟斷利潤來彌補研發投入，更是可以對我國科技的進步和經濟的發展帶來幫助。下面講述一下中國專利申請的程序：
受理階段
專利局在收到專利申請之後進行審核，若是符合受理條件的話，專利局就會確定申請日期給予申請號，且核對檔清單之後發出相應的受理通知書。若是申請人的申請書或者相關檔缺少或者是無法看清楚的話，那麼國家專利局是無法進行受理的，因此在這之前一定要做好申請的準備。
初審階段
受理後的專利申請按照規定繳納申請費用，之後就自動進入初審的階段，初審前的發明專利申請是要進行保密審查的，因此都會按照保密方式來處理。初審階段主要是審查申請是否存在明顯的缺陷，就是看看審查的內容是否在《專利法》的範圍內、申請的問價是否齊全以及是否符合要求等等。初審通過之後將會發放初審合格通知書。
公佈階段
若是申請人沒有提出提前公開的請求的話，要等到申請日滿的15個月後才可以進入公開準備的程序。若是申請人請求提前公開的話，則立刻進入公開準備的程序。經過格式的覆核、電腦處理以及排版印刷等之後，大約3個月就可以在專利公報上公佈其說明書摘要了，申請公佈之後申請人就獲得了臨時保護。
實審階段
在發明專利申請之後，若是申請人已經提出實質審查並已經生效的話，申請人就進入實審的程序了。實審中沒有被駁回的話，那麼就按照規定進入授權程序。
中國專利申請的程序基本上就是以上四點，想要順利完成註冊的話可以選擇專業的專利申請代理機構。
資料來源: CtR智群知識產權事務所
