Trade Mark Basics: What Every Business Needs to Know | Elise Explains IP

If you’re building a brand in Australia, understanding trade marks is essential. In this episode of Elise Explains IP, Elise Steegstra (lawyer & trade marks attorney) breaks down the fundamentals: what a trade mark is, why you need one, and how the registration process actually works.

Whether you’re a founder, creator, small business owner, or marketer, this is your practical crash course in protecting your brand and avoiding costly mistakes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What you can and can’t register as a trade mark
• The difference between a business name, domain name & trade mark
• Why trade marks matter for brand protection and business value
• How registration works in Australia (step-by-step)
• Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• International protection: when to think beyond Australia
• When to register your trade mark
• How to enforce your rights once registered

FREE DOWNLOAD – IP Audit Tool

Want to check if your business has hidden IP risks?

Download my free IP Audit Tool here:

https://www.elisesteegstra.com

More Resources

IP Australia: www.ipaustralia.gov.au

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