Business Startup

Trademark Business Name Australia

Helping startups protect their intellectual property with expert guidance on trademarks, copyrights, and domain names for long-term success.

We provide strategic advice on areas including business name registration and branding to support international business founders across a broad range of industries.

The process of starting a business can often be complex, especially if you operate in multiple jurisdictions. Decisions you make during the business development stage can have significant impacts on your enterprise in the long term. Our business start-up services can assist you with both business planning and support by helping you select the right name for your business, products and services and securing your brand assets internationally.

Selecting a business structure
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A business can be structured in a number of different ways, including sole trader, partnership, trust and company. Each of these have different legal characteristics and costs which can affect your tax obligations and asset management.

For example, you may wish to hold certain assets, such as your Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, under a separate entity to protect these assets from your other business liabilities.

It is important to select a business structure which best suits your circumstances and the nature of your business.

  • Each business structure has different advantages and disadvantages.
  • Identify which business structure is best suited to your enterprise.

Choosing business and product names

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Selecting your business and product names are central to establishing a strong brand identity.

It is crucial to undertake international business and product name availability searches at the early stages of business planning. This is because if your proposed business or product name conflicts with any existing names or trade marks, they may be rejected for registration and infringe upon exisiting rights.

  • Undertaking clearance searches early on can save you from wasting time and money on unsuccessful applications and reduce the risk of inadvertently infringing on another party’s trade mark.
  • Conducting business and product name availability searches in all relevant jurisdictions will ensure you can establish a consistent brand identity across all relevant markets.

Registering your Business Name

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A Business Name is the name used to identify your business to your customers. This is required if the legal entity that owns a business wants to identify it under a different name.

If you want to carry on a business under a business name in Australia, you must register your business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Before this can be done, you must have an Australian business number (ABN) or an ABN application number.

Note that registering a business name does not grant you with any exclusive rights or ownership over your business name. This means, registering a business name alone does not allow you to stop others from using the same or a similar business name in respect of goods/ services that are similar to yours. One way you can prevent imitators from exploiting your brand is to register your business name as a Trade Mark.

  • A Business Name is the name used to identify your business to your customers.
  • A Business Name does not grant you exclusivity to use the name.
  • Consider registering your Business Name as a Trade Mark to prevent confusion in the marketplace.

Protecting your brand assets

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Consider registering your brand assets both domestically and overseas when planning your business to effectively protect your business and product names. These may include registering a Business Name, Trade Marks and Domain Names.

  • A Business Name is the registered name used to identify your business to your customers.
  • A Trade Mark makes your brand recognisable by distinguishing your products/ services from others in the marketplace.
  • A Domain Name is your business' address on the internet.

Note that Business Names, Trade Marks and Domain Names are national rights which do not offer protection overseas. You should therefore consider to apply to register these in any jurisdictions where your business will operate. Each country will decide whether you can proceed to registration in accordance with their own national laws and requirements. For example, If you wish to use a ‘.com.au’ or ‘.net.au’ Domain Name, you must be a commercial entity and have either an Australian Company Number (CAN) or Australian Business Number (ABN).

Like Business Names, registering a Domain Name does not of itself confer any proprietary rights in the use of that name. This means you will not have any rights to take action against third parties who use your domain name in promoting their own brand. To secure your brand, it is a good idea to have any registered Domain Name also registered as a Trade Mark.

  • Registering a Business Name, Trade Mark and Domain Name is crucial to protecting your brand assets.
  • Identify the countries in which your products/ services will be sold or manufactured and their respective national requirements for IP protection.
  • Prepare the relevant documentation required to register your brand assets (e.g. business name, product names, logo designs, owner’s details, relevant goods/ services etc.).

Managing your IP assets

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You will need to manage and, in many cases, make changes to your IP portfolio as your business grows. For example, you may seek to transfer IP assets to a different legal entity (e.g. from a sole trader to a company), extend protection to additional countries as your business expands internationally, or amend the goods and/or services to which any registrations apply as your product/ service range grows.

You should also be aware of any registration renewal timelines and monitor for potentially infringing conduct by your competitors.

  • It is important to ensure your IP assets are up to date and reflect your business activities.
  • Develop an IP infringement strategy to help you address any infringement issues and avoid confusion in the marketplace.

Negotiations and business contracts

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As your business develops, you may wish to exploit your IP asset portfolio by entering into commercialisation arrangements with other entities. One way you might do this is by selling your IP directly to another party through the process of assignment, after which you will no longer retain any rights to the IP. Alternatively, you may wish to license your IP rights by giving permission to another party to use your IP on agreed terms and conditions.

  • Identify any potential future business opportunities for transactions and licensing.
  • Consider selling or licensing your established IP assets.

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Free Initial Consultation

Fill out the form below to get a free consultation from one of our trademark experts.

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Why Choose IP Service International for Your Business Startup?

Creating your own business requires a significant change. Our company has operated for more than ten years to provide personalised brand protection solutions and affordable support services since your business launch.

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Global Expertise

Our organisation offers a complete understanding of Australian trademark standards and international laws in addition to our direct trademark filing capabilities in major global markets.

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Personalised Support

Every business is unique. Our team tailors their services to meet the requirements of your startup so your brand obtains appropriate protection from its first day.

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Cost-Effective

Thanks to our streamlined direct filing system, you get quality service that comes with lowered costs without the need for extra fees.

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Proven Track Record

The positive results we achieve through our services reflect our success with startup businesses and established companies. You can reach us at 1300 770 287 for a no-cost consultation.

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls When You Trademark a Business Name


The process of protecting your brand through trademarking your business name requires careful attention because it becomes complicated. The following mistakes should be avoided to defend your rights and minimise monetary errors.


Understand Your Rights

Research the marketplace to verify the name you choose because it must be original and should distinguish itself from other trademarks. Your failure to recognise existing trademarks may result in infringement disputes while forcing you to start again under another brand name.

Act Promptly

The process of trademark registration requires immediate action to be successful. The sooner you submit your application, the stronger your rights become because your rights extend from the initial date of your application.

Need expert advice? Call 1300 770 287 today to receive a free consultation, which will help you secure your business name.

Our Business Start-up Process

1

Consultation and Strategy

We begin by learning about your business to determine which approach will safeguard your name and logos, and mental and tangible aspects.

2

Trade Mark Application

Your trademark application processing takes place at IP Australia and international offices through our expert team, who guarantee accurate and swift services.

3

Ongoing Protection and Support

Our company monitors and safeguards your trademark after application to maintain continuous security protection as your business expands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I trademark my business name?
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A trademark grants you business name ownership rights, which allows you to stop others from using your name without authorisation.

How does business name registration differ from obtaining trademark status?

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A business name registration does not offer any legal protection to business owners. The exclusive ownership rights to your brand can only come from obtaining a trademark.

How long does it take to acquire a trademark?

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The trademark registration process in Australia extends from 7 to 8 months based on whether there are any objections or oppositions raised.

Can I trademark both my business logo and business name?

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Trademarking your business name alongside your logo and slogans allows you to protect all elements of your brand.

Does my trademark extend its coverage to international markets?

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Not automatically. Our company provides worldwide trademark application filing services which secure your brand protection across essential markets.

How long is a trademark valid?

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Australian trademark protection lasts for 10 years before automatic renewal becomes possible indefinitely.

What actions will occur if someone files opposition against my trademark application?

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Our team will defend your rights during the opposition period to guarantee your protection.

Partners & IP Offices

We work with partners and IP Offices around the globe.

IP Australia  s

I've been working with Max and the team for a number of years now. They have helped me with multiple trade marks, objections/challenges and advice around the technicalities of the law. I would highly recommend talking to them if you're looking for great customer service, advice and results!

Mathew Stillone
Founder/Managing Director, Integrity Food Co.

Thank you to Max and the whole team! Your work is always of a high standard, professional and timely. I highly recommend Max and the team to any organisation needing IP support!

Anthea Thomas
Director, Hypnobirthing Australia

Excellent service, great result. We initially had issues with our trademark and called them to lodge a declaration to support the mark. Our mark was finally accepted and we believe this was only due to the thorough and detailed documents that were submitted to the trademark office. Great work!

Jason Morrisby
Founder/ Director, Mask Co.

Need help?

We work with businesses across Australia and from around the world. If you wish to meet with us in person, please contact our office.

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