Realizing the importance of trademarks for businesses, DJKI has simplified trademark registration procedures that can be done online. But unfortunately, there are still business actors who make mistakes related to trademark registration. As a result, many applications for trademark registration are rejected or the trademark cannot be officially registered at the DJKI, even the mistake can cause the business to rebrand from scratch again. Well, to avoid this, here we have summarized for you some of the mistakes that are often made by business people when registering a trademark online. Hopefully it can be a lesson for KH Pals not to repeat the same mistakes, huh!
What is a Trademark?
In the business world, business people will embed brands in the goods or services they market. That way, consumers can easily recognize the products of the business. Based on Law (UU) No. 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications, a trademark is a mark used on products traded by a person or several persons jointly or legal entities to distinguish with other types of products. Trademarks can be displayed graphically in the form of images, logos, names, words, letters, numbers, arrangements, colors, in two or three-dimensional form, sound, holograms, or a combination of two or more of these elements to distinguish goods or services obtained by a person or legal entity in the trading activities of goods and/or services.
Why is it important for business?
One of the factors that can influence consumer purchasing decisions is the existence of a trademark. Because trademarks are an influential component and prove that the product has a trusted and quality reputation. It is important for every business owner to know that a trademark is an asset that can improve their business performance. Here are some of the importance of trademarks for businesses that KH pals must know:
As a Communication Tool
Trademark is one of the business communication tools with consumers. The existence of a trademark will make it easier for businesses to communicate their products to customers. Trademarks can show intellectual and emotional attributes that can be perceived by consumers. Even trademarks also help show the quality of your products, services, and also your business.
Making Business Easy to Find
Trademarks are reminders that make your product or business stickier in the minds of consumers. For example, if Buddy KH builds the best leather bag trademark, then every time someone thinks about leather bags, they will remember your product. This means that the trademark development process is right.
Official Proof to Use on Social Media
In this digital era, plagiarism of digital works often occurs. Especially with the rapid development of social media, it will be very dangerous if KH Friend does not have a clear trademark. The problem of plagiarism and other criminal acts will be easily resolved with official proof that your business already has a legal trademark. This is also important for the safety and comfort of consumers and businesses.
As a Company Asset
Having a thriving business but not having intellectual property such as a trademark would be very risky. Trademarks can even be categorized as valuable assets of a company or business. The greater the value of your business grows, the higher the value of the trademark you have. The existence of the trademark will also be very helpful when there will be an investment or business acquisition process. Where with a clear and legal trademark will provide extra value for the company before being acquired.
Errors During Trademark Registration
As mentioned, the DJKI has now simplified the trademark registration process through an online system. But business actors make no mistake, the conveniences that exist do not then make you hands off when sending a trademark registration application. At least Friend KH should know what mistakes usually cause obstruction or even failure of trademark registration applications at the DJKI online. Here is the explanation:
No Brand Search
This mistake is often made by businesses during trademark registration. Many businesses do not conduct a trademark search in advance when applying for trademark registration. This search is done so that the registered trademark does not have in common with other trademarks that have been registered in the DJKI. Because if you apply for trademark registration that has similarities, it will be rejected.
Always Delaying Brand Registration
Registering a trademark late is not a new thing. Many businesses often procrastinate when it comes to registering their trademarks. “As soon as possible” is the right word to describe trademark registration. Considering that in Indonesia itself, the trademark registration system is based on first to file where the DGKI will provide legal protection to the party who registers the trademark first, aka ‘first come first served’.
Incorrect Filling of Trademark Application Data
Before using the online trademark registration system, you should learn each of its features first. The function is so that you can avoid unnecessary mistakes. Some businesses still make mistakes in filling in the data for trademark registration applications. The most common mistakes are filling in names, addresses, and emails. For example, when entering the wrong email address in ordering the billing code. It will certainly have a fatal impact because it will be automatically filled in on the trademark registration form. So, if you don’t correct the mistake during the registration form filling, the wrong entries will continue to exist until the DJKI accepts your trademark registration application.
Choosing the Wrong Brand Service When Ordering Billing Code
The next frequent mistake during trademark registration is related to the billing code ordering process. Where there are two ways to order the billing code, the first is through the brand account or the second is through the Simpaki billing code booking website. For ordering through a brand account, KH Friend can only process billing codes for brand registration only. But on the Simpaki website, there are several choices that KH Friend must choose. For example, general or MSME brand registration, brand registration based on the Madrid Protocol, and so on. If you make a mistake, you may end up paying a fee that is not in accordance with your request.
Class Enrollment Doesn’t Match Business Capital
KH pals should understand there are many classes in trademark registration. Therefore, you should register the mark according to the model and class of your product and/or business. For example, KH pals sell coffee. Then for coffee, it is registered in the product, booth, or cafe class. This adjusts to what business model you are running and will run. Because, if your brand has been registered by a competitor or other party first, then you have to do the rebranding from scratch again or be forced to buy the brand from the owner.
Not Submitting Required Documents
Finished with the business of searching, filling in data, and ordering billing codes, the next mistake is regarding documents. Make sure your KH Friend already understands what documents must be submitted to the DJKI, but these required documents may vary for each application. So make sure you already know the required documents before sending the application.
Not Monitoring Accounts Periodically
Finally, after you have submitted your application, don’t forget to always monitor your trademark account. This is because during the trademark registration application process, there are many stages that must be passed. Starting from formality examination, substantive examination, announcement, and so on. Which of each of these stages allows Sobat KH to get a letter from DJKI that you must respond to immediately. For example, a letter of Proposed Refusal of Trademark Registration Application that must be responded to within the specified period of 30 days. Those are some mistakes that are often made during trademark registration. It cannot be denied, although it has become easier through the online system, trademark registration still requires accuracy.
READ ALSO: This is the difference between ©, ™, and ® symbols on brands!
But all the effort that KH pals make to register a trademark will bring many benefits and advantages to the business in the future. Remember, a trademark is an important identity and asset of a business or company that can provide legal protection.
KH Contact
Of course, there is an easier way to process this entire trademark registration process. One of them is by choosing Kontrak Hukum as a partner in protecting your trademark. Kontrak Hukum has been trusted by more than 5000 businesses in Indonesia in providing affordable, fastest, and most comprehensive business and legal needs services, one of which is trademark registration services. For ordering information, please visit this page. If you still have questions, consult with us at Tanya KH or via Direct Message (DM) to Instagram @kontrakhukum.
