Question
We are a young startup company in the area of 3D Printing based in Germany, with additional locations in Switzerland and Japan. Although most of our early adopters come from Germany, we are not at this point restricting our potential market to just one country.
Since Trademark registration & prosecution is a considerable investment for small companies, we are wondering: when protecting the brand in additional jurisdictions is worth the cost?
Thank you for your answers!
Answers: 3 public & 0 private
I definitely agree with James and Niall - get your trademark registration in the countries of interest as soon as possible as others, particularly potential me-too competitors, may be quicker than you.
Since you are based here in Germany, you should clear the market by a trademark search, and then maybe start with a German mark. Within 6 months, you can use its priority (the application date) to get protection in other jurisdictions with the same priority date as well. Starting out with a Community Trademark (CTM or Gemeinschaftsmarke) is another option - it covers all 28 EU Member States. Switzerland and Japan can be added either by way of a so-called International Registration, or by filing national trademark applications. More questions - just let me know!
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