The number one reason why you should protect your brand’s IP (Intellectual Property) is that – it’s extremely valuable!

Not only because of the time and money you may have invested into creating it – but imagine if your entire business was at risk because you didn’t protect it?

Another reason is, if you ever consider selling your business, then your brand forms a major part of it’s overall value. A prospective buyer will expect you to prove ownership of the brand you are trying to sell.

There are a few simple steps any business owner can take to ensure IP protection. Ideally this is done at the set-up stages, but you can work through this simple check-list and breathe easy.

  • If you are trading in Australia, then a .com.au domain is preferential for Google. When registering your business domain name (ie www.theraraagency.com.au) it’s a good idea to purchase the .com version as well. This reduces the risk of someone pinching your trading name.

  • Always ensure your domain is registered in your name, even if someone else does it for you. Otherwise, you may not be able to claim ownership, even if you have proof of payment.

  • Always ensure you know the login details for the company you register your domain with.

  • Make a note of when your domain is due for renewal. Registrars will email well ahead of time to alert you to this date. If you let your domain registration lapse, after a period of time it is back on the open market for someone else to buy.

  • Register your trading name with ASIC. Even if it’s not your actual company name, this again protects someone else starting a business using your brand. NB Just because you have a domain name registered, does not automatically mean you own that trading name. The two are separate.

  • Create Social Media Platforms using your trading name (or as close as possible), even if you aren’t intending on using them straight away, or if at all.

  • Ensure your are assigned copyright over any visual or written work undertaken by a third party for your business.

  • Ensure your website use Terms & Conditions outline copyright rules.

  • You can consider trademarking your brand mark, name or both. It’s best to seek legal advice before proceeding.

Contact us about your brand requirements

Kylie was engaged to design and develop our Brand. She achieved this in record time and within our budget. Her outstanding commitment, communication and passion was prevalent from start to finish. She is ahead of the pack and one in a million! I would highly recommend her services.

Amanda Manton, CO-FOUNDER LUV&CO ESTATE AGENTS