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TM Headstart is a streamlined application service with IP Australia in 2025 that quickly assesses whether your Trade Mark may face any obstacles during registration. By flagging potential issues upfront, it helps ensure your application is as robust as possible.
Using TM Headstart is particularly valuable because any errors in your application are non‐refundable, which can lead to increased costs down the track. Getting everything in order from the start can save you significant time, money, and hassle.
What Is A Trade Mark?
A Trade Mark protects your business name, logo, or catchphrase from unauthorised use by others. Once successfully registered, your Trade Mark gives you exclusive right to use it in Australia for 10 years – with the option to renew. Securing your brand early in 2025 not only preserves your identity in a competitive market but also helps avoid costly disputes later on.
You can read more about why you need a Trade Mark here and discover further insights into Trade Marks and their benefits here. For additional guidance on protecting your business name, check out our article on Can Two Businesses Have the Same Name?.
What Is The Trade Mark Headstart Process?
The Sprintlaw approach begins with an initial consultation with one of our experienced Intellectual Property lawyers to ensure you have all the necessary information for your application. In today’s dynamic 2025 market, a proactive approach to protecting your brand is more important than ever.
The Trade Mark Headstart is offered as a two-part service designed to give you a clear pathway to registration.
Part I
Our experienced lawyers will submit a TM Headstart application to IP Australia on your behalf for 1 Trade Mark (such as your business name, logo, etc.) in 1 class (for example, food and drink services, medical services, or others relevant to your industry). This initial professional assessment by an IP Australia Trade Mark examiner helps identify any potential barriers to registration. While it does not guarantee registration, it provides you with invaluable insight to help you address any issues early.
Once the initial assessment is complete, you will have 5 business days to decide whether to proceed with, amend, or discontinue your application.
Part II
If you decide to continue after Part I, our lawyers will assist you with applying to IP Australia for a full 10-year Trade Mark registration.
Your application will first undergo an examination where a Trade Mark examiner verifies that it contains all the correct details and meets current legislative requirements. Should your application fall short, you will receive an adverse examination report detailing the issues and how to resolve them. You can learn more about tackling adverse reports here.
After meeting the legislative requirements, your application will be advertised for opposition over a two‐month period, giving third parties an opportunity to contest your registration. If no opposition is raised, your Trade Mark will be officially registered, granting you exclusive rights in Australia for 10 years.
You can find a complete breakdown of the current government fees here.
Why Do I Need A Trade Mark?
A Trade Mark is a critical asset for any business. It reinforces your brand identity, establishes your market presence, and helps prevent competitors from diluting your goodwill. In 2025, registering your Trade Mark not only safeguards your assets but can also enhance your business’s overall value. For further insights, see our discussion on Trade Mark vs Copyright.
Registering your Trade Mark early also demonstrates to investors and customers that your brand is well-protected-a key advantage in today’s competitive business landscape. Our guidance on topics such as trading name conflicts can further clarify the importance of having a robust intellectual property portfolio.
Need Help With Your Trade Mark?
If you’re still unsure about the process or need more details on trademarking your business name or logo, an initial consultation with one of our experienced Intellectual Property lawyers might be just what you need. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you have all the correct documents and a clear understanding of the process.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to register your Trade Mark, our dedicated team is here to help you get started. We have a strong track record in guiding businesses through the application process smoothly and efficiently.
Our friendly team is available for a free, no-obligations chat at team@sprintlaw.com.au or on 1800 730 617.
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