April 29, 2025

WHY SHOULD YOU REGISTER YOUR TRADEMARK?

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Think about the first thing people notice about your business. Maybe it’s your name, your logo, or even a simple tagline. That’s your trademark—the face of your brand. It’s what customers remember, what sets you apart, and what makes your business unique.

Now imagine spending years building your brand, only to see someone else copy your name or logo. Without protection, there’s not much you can do. That’s where registering your trademark with IPOPHL (Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines) comes in—it’s your best shield against copycats and brand thieves.

1. Protect Your Identity

Your trademark is your identity. Registering it ensures no one else can legally use something too close to your name or logo.

📌 Example: You’ve been running a popular café in Makati, and suddenly, another shop opens with a nearly identical logo. If your mark is registered, you have the law on your side. If it’s not, you’re in for a long, frustrating battle.

2. Own Exclusive Rights

When your trademark is registered, it’s officially yours for your products or services. That means you can stop anyone from trying to cash in on your reputation.

In the Philippines, the Intellectual Property Code (R.A. 8293) makes it clear: only registered trademarks enjoy full protection and the right to file cases if someone infringes on your mark.

3. You Can Take Action Against Infringers

Registration gives you the power to actually fight back. With a registered trademark, you can:

  • Sue for damages in civil court.
  • File criminal cases against counterfeiters.
  • Oppose or cancel conflicting marks at IPOPHL.
  • Stop fake goods at the border through the Bureau of Customs.

Without registration, these remedies are much harder to access.

4. It’s a Valuable Business Asset

A trademark isn’t just protection—it’s an investment. You can license it, franchise it, or even sell it. Many investors look at trademark registrations as proof that your business is serious about its brand.

Just look at Jollibee—its logo and name are worth billions because of strong brand protection, not just because of fried chicken.

5. Peace of Mind

Finally, registering your trademark saves you from constant worry. You don’t have to stress about competitors copying you or confusing your customers. Instead, you can focus on growing your business, knowing your brand is protected.

How It Works with IPOPHL

Here’s a quick look at the process:

  1. File your application with IPOPHL.
  2. IPOPHL checks your application for compliance.
  3. If approved, your mark gets published in the IPOPHL Gazette for opposition.
  4. If no one objects (or objections are dismissed), IPOPHL issues a Certificate of Registration.

The registration lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as you keep using the mark.

Final Thoughts

So, why should you register your trademark? Simple: it protects your brand, gives you exclusive rights, lets you fight back against infringers, and adds long-term value to your business.

Don’t wait until someone copies your brand—because by then, it might be too late. Registering your trademark today is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business future.