How can you protect your corporate identity from intellectual property infringement?

1 Register your trademarks

Trademarks are the legal protection for your corporate identity elements, such as your name, logo, slogan, or design. They give you the exclusive right to use them in relation to your goods or services, and to prevent others from using similar or identical marks that may cause confusion or deception. To register your trademarks, you need to apply to the relevant authority in your country or region, and follow the requirements and procedures for filing, examination, publication, and opposition. You may also consider registering your trademarks in other countries or regions where you operate or plan to expand, as trademark protection is territorial and may vary from one jurisdiction to another.

3 Educate your employees and partners

Your employees and partners are the ambassadors of your corporate identity, and they should be aware of its importance and value. You should educate them on how to use your corporate identity elements correctly and consistently, and how to avoid any misuse or misrepresentation that may infringe on your intellectual property rights. You should also provide them with clear guidelines and policies on how to handle any potential or actual infringement cases, and how to report them to you or your legal team. You should also ensure that your partners, such as suppliers, distributors, or licensees, respect and comply with the terms and conditions of your agreements, and that they do not exploit or dilute your corporate identity.

4 Enforce your rights

If you discover any infringement of your corporate identity, you should act promptly and decisively to enforce your rights and protect your interests. Depending on the nature and severity of the infringement, you may choose to pursue different courses of action, such as sending a cease and desist letter, initiating a negotiation or mediation, filing a complaint with an administrative body, or initiating a legal action. You should also seek professional advice from a lawyer or an intellectual property expert, who can help you assess the situation, evaluate your options, and determine the best strategy to resolve the dispute.

5 Review and update your corporate identity

Your corporate identity is not static, but dynamic and evolving. As your business grows and changes, you may need to review and update your corporate identity elements to reflect your current vision, mission, and goals. You may also need to adapt your corporate identity elements to different markets, cultures, or platforms, while maintaining your core identity and consistency. By reviewing and updating your corporate identity, you can ensure that it remains relevant, distinctive, and appealing to your target audience, and that it does not become obsolete, outdated, or infringed by others.