ITERATE SUCCESSFULLY SECURE REGISTERED TRADEMARK
We are thrilled to announce that ‘ITERATE’ is now a registered class 42 trademark within the UK. This key milestone represents the maturity of the business and adds to the intellectual property now owned by the company. Being able to register a trademark is an important tool for any business and offers brand protection; however, many people do not fully understand what it means or how it works. So here is a brief explanation of what TM, R and C mean and the differences between them.
Trademark ™
A TM symbol is typically used to show that the name, term, slogan or logo has not yet become a registered trademark however the company does intend to. The TM sign can be used on brands that have yet to submit an application to register or on brands that are awaiting their application to be accepted. However, it does not guarantee that other businesses can’t use the name, term, slogan, etc. but it does offer the possibility to open a common law infringement action against them.
Registered ®
An R symbol is used to show that the company name, term, slogan, etc. has been registered with the Intellectual Property Office and therefore provides legal protection. A registered trademark is a way for a business to show that they own the brand, name, logo etc. and will deter people from copying the brand as well as allowing the company to take the infringers to court and obtain damages. It means that the name cannot be used by any other company in the same sector.
Copyright ©
Copyright is different to trademarks as they do not refer to branding. A copyright symbol shows that a piece of work has been protected and therefore stops imitators copying your work. A copyright can protect an original piece of literacy, dramatic, musical and artistic work, it can protect non-literacy work like software and web content, it can protect sound, music, film, television etc. Copyright prevents other people making money from your original content. Copyright is also different because you don’t need to pay or apply to the Intellectual Property Office, you automatically have copyright over your work as long as you mark it with a C symbol, your name and the year of the creation.
