For a new small business, a trademark can feel like something to sort out later. Kerry Gover made it one of the first things she did when she launched PinkBox Boutique.

Registering PINKBOX

We filed a UK application for PINKBOX on 27 September 2013. It covered Class 35, retail services, with a wide list of products: furniture and home décor, gifts, beauty and skincare, clothing, handbags and accessories, fashion jewellery, toys, kitchenware, confectionery and much more.

The application was published on 18 October 2013, and PINKBOX was registered on 27 December 2013.

Another company using the name

Kerry did not have to wait long to find out why it mattered. Soon after, it came to light that another company was trading using her registered mark.

Kerry was concerned about what a challenge would involve for a fairly new, small business. Ric and Joe from our team gave Kerry plenty of advice and supported her through the first steps. The approach we recommended led to a quick, satisfactory resolution.

Why the registration made the difference

Because PINKBOX was registered, Kerry did not have to prove her rights from scratch. The registration set out exactly what she owned and for which services, which gave the advice a firm footing. In Kerry’s own words, it “reinforced to me the power of my registered trademark”.

What Kerry said

“I run a small business and one of the first things I did when I launched my new business was to register my trademark with the assistance of The Trademark Helpline. Little did I know how quickly I’d need to call on their support when it came to light that another company was trading using my registered mark. Being a fairly new, small business, I was concerned about the cost implications of the challenge process but Ric & Joe gave me plenty of good advice and supported me through the first steps. Their recommended approach lead to a quick, satisfactory resolution at no additional cost to my business and has reinforced to me the power of my registered trademark.”

Kerry Gover, Managing Director, PinkBox Boutique

What this means for you

Register your name when you launch, not when a problem appears. Start with a UK trademark registration. If someone is already trading under your mark, a cease and desist letter is often the quickest way to resolve it, and trademark monitoring helps you spot the next one early.

Book a free 15-minute call to talk it through.