A defensive trademark refers to an identical or similar trademark registered by a trademark owner in other classes other than the scope of goods and services in which it is mainly engaged. This strategy is designed to prevent others from squatting or counterfeiting the core trademark in other areas, thereby ensuring that companies have an independent protection mechanism within the broader scope of the trademark. These trademarks, which are registered outside the scope of the main business, are often referred to as defensive marks.
1.Prevent others from pampering the brand
The primary purpose of a defensive trademark is to prevent other enterprises or individuals from registering trademarks that are identical or similar to the core trademark in areas that are not the main business of the enterprise. By registering a defensive trademark, companies can avoid being used by criminals to engage in business activities in other areas and maintain the independence of their brand.
2.Restricting others from using or registering similar trademarks
Registering a defensive trademark helps to restrict others from using or registering a trademark that is similar to the core trademark on a broader scale. This restrictive registration measure helps to prevent potential trademark infringement and protect the brand rights and interests of enterprises.
3.Reserve "trademark space" for future development
As companies expand their business and product lines, they may venture into new areas or provide new services. By registering a defensive trademark, the company has pre-occupied the trademark space related to its core trademark in the field that may be expanded in the future, providing a guarantee for the future development of the brand.
4.Reduce the risk of your brand being copied
In a highly competitive market, the risk of brands being copied cannot be ignored. Registering a defensive trademark can effectively reduce this risk, maintain the brand image, and maintain the uniqueness of the brand.
5.Reduce the cost of trademark protection
In the event of trademark infringement, the cost of enforcing rights can be quite high. By registering a defensive trademark, enterprises can establish an effective legal line of defense in advance, reduce the cost of rights protection, and improve the effect of rights protection.
6.Prevent hostile competition from other businesses
Registering a defensive trademark also helps to prevent malicious competition from other enterprises and ensure the normal operation of the market order. Such measures can prevent others from deliberately registering trademarks that are similar to the core trademarks, and weaken the competitiveness of enterprises in the market.
In a highly competitive business environment, registering a defensive trademark is an indispensable part of a company's branding strategy. This strategy provides strong support for the long-term healthy development of corporate brands by pre-regulating the trademark field to prevent potential trademark infringement and malicious competition.
Defense Trademarks