You’ve probably heard that London-based Improbable are the latest billion dollar startup. I have no connection the company apart from the fact that they’re based in my old office in Farringdon in Central London. It’s fun to think that we left some creative energy hanging in the air for the new tenants to breathe in – especially as their simulation platform owes quite a bit to the world of the Matrix.
You can be fairly sure Improbable wouldn’t have such a high valuation if their brand and trademarks weren’t in order and that they’ve taken the time to get the right brand and trademark protection in place for their business and their platform.
Without the right brand and trademark protection you could find your startup doesn’t have the value you’d expect
You may have already built your website, your brand identity and your social media channels, but if you haven’t had the time or the inclination to get expert advice your startup and your product could be in a serious situation. Without the right brand and trademark protection you could find your startup doesn’t have the value you’d expect.
It’s not enough to have a brand. You need to have a brand that’s unique and one you can defend and protect when it comes to seeking major investment and when registering your name and trademark for international markets. And don’t make the mistake that because you can register a domain name that’s all you’ll ever need.
For example ‘non-distinctive’ names and designs are much harder to register than those that take a unique, creative and unusual design approach. Every great startup and every great business is unique and your branding and design approach should reflect what makes you different from everyone else. The UK government’s site is very clear with its advice, ‘Your trade mark must be unique’ is the first message you’ll see.
Get expert help
Good design will give you an advantage and give you the edge over your competitors too. We can help make sure your branding and design is unique and based on original creative thinking. Although we can’t offer legal advice, we’ve lots of experience with startups and are startup founders ourselves, and working with experienced partners will help you through the design process, which is an essential part of getting ready for major investment.
I recommend you talk to our partners at Linkilaw the legal platform for startups. They’re always offering good advice on trademarks and when you should register yours such as in this recent post. They have affordable packs such as their Founders Pack and App Pack to help you through the legal issues of building a really successful startup, but you can also get expert legal advice on registering and protecting your trademark and your brand. Of course you can mail hello@brandlogik.com or use the form below to use design to your advantage and talk to us about branding your billion dollar startup.
Eugene Burns
