Firstly I must state that I have absolutely no specialist knowledge regarding this subject, other than having worked for a business who took it very seriously, and protected their name, brands, trademarks, intellectual property, designs etc. with vigour.
It seems to me that anyone introducing a new brand for a product should take great care to avoid stepping on the toes of others who may have different views about the choice. It can be a minefield.
And if they wish to use a logo, trademark etc. then it should ideally be registered in whichever territories it is to be sold.
There have been several high profile cases in the UK, and EU, where mistakes have been made, with dire consequences for the infringements, sometimes by very small businesses. Even where the brand or mark or logo has already been in use for many years, even just a dictionary word, font or colour . Even leading to confiscation of offending items by customs authorities or cease and desist notices to established businesses.
Here in the UK the government provide a guide at Protecting your UK intellectual property abroad - GOV.UK.
An aside: the first ever UK trademark was registered in 1876, by the Bass brewery, for their red triangle. See http://www.spellbrand.com/the-very-first-uk-trademark for the story.
Since each territory has it’s own legislation, I hope that informed members could contribute constructive guidance for those of us who may be interested in the subject in other territories, even world-wide.
I suggest that it be kept general, without discussing specific brands.
Regards,
Sharpie.
