Practical Guide: How to Register a Trademark and the Various Benefits It Brings to Your Business

Quoting the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a trademark is an essential asset for any business, as it serves as an identity that distinguishes the products or services of one company from another. By registering it, your business gains legal protection and enhances consumer trust. This article will discuss what a trademark is, why it is important, and how to register it officially.

What Is a Trademark?

According to the International Trademark Association (INTA), a trademark is a sign that serves as a business identity and distinguishes your products or services from those of others.

The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) explains that a trademark is not limited to a name or logo. Elements such as shapes, patterns, colors, sounds, jingles, and even holograms can also be registered—as long as they are distinctive and do not cause confusion with existing trademarks.

Unlike patents, which have a limited validity period, a trademark grants its owner exclusive rights to use specific symbols, words, or signs indefinitely, as long as it continues to be used and renewed according to applicable regulations.

Trademark Symbols

In addition to slogans, logos, or other visual marks, trademarks are often accompanied by specific symbols. These symbols indicate the protection status of a brand—whether it has been officially registered or is simply being claimed for use. Here’s what they mean:

• ™ (Trademark) – This symbol is used after a logo or phrase to indicate that the owner claims rights to the mark, even if it hasn’t been officially filed or approved by the trademark office.

• ® (Registered Trademark) – Only trademarks that have been officially registered with the trademark office may use this symbol. The ® mark signifies that the brand has full legal protection.

• ℠ (Service Mark) – Used to denote trademarks related to services rather than products. However, many companies choose to use ™ instead, as it is more common and easier to recognize.

Why Should You Register a Trademark?

A trademark is not just a business identity—it’s also a valuable asset that protects and enhances your company’s value. That’s why registering your trademark is so important. Here are seven key reasons why trademark registration matters:

1. Establishes Legal Ownership

Registering your trademark officially confirms that you are the rightful owner. It serves as a public notice that the mark is legally protected, helping to prevent potential infringements such as counterfeiting or imitation. A registered mark also reflects your business’s commitment to safeguarding its identity.

2. Saves Long-Term Costs

Trademark registration is relatively affordable compared to the potential legal expenses of future disputes. In case of infringement, having a registered mark allows for faster and more efficient resolution since clear legal proof of ownership already exists.

3. Increases Business Value

A registered trademark is considered a company asset that can enhance overall business valuation. As your reputation and customer loyalty grow, so does the brand’s value—making it one of the most valuable intangible assets a business can own.

4. Builds Investor and Partner Trust

Investors and business partners are more likely to collaborate with companies that have trademark protection. Registration signals professionalism and credibility, making your business more attractive for investment and partnership opportunities.

5. Strengthens Marketing Strategies

Using trademark symbols adds a professional touch and boosts consumer confidence. These symbols signify authenticity and legitimacy, encouraging customers to trust and remain loyal to your products.

6. Opens Opportunities for Licensing and Franchising

A legally registered trademark can be commercialized through licensing or franchising, creating additional revenue streams beyond direct sales. For growing businesses, this provides a path to market expansion without significant operational costs.

7. Supports Global Expansion

Domestic trademark registration can serve as a foundation for international protection. This ensures your brand remains secure when entering foreign markets, preventing misuse or imitation abroad and safeguarding your business identity during global expansion.

How to Register a Trademark

After understanding the importance of trademark registration, you can start preparing the necessary documents and follow the official procedures to register your mark. Today, the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) provides an online system for trademark registration. Below are the requirements and the step-by-step process.

Required Documents

To register a new trademark in Indonesia, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:

• Trademark label or sample (logo or wordmark).

• Applicant’s signature.

• Recommendation letter for MSME assistance or a certificate of MSME guidance from the relevant local office (for micro and small businesses only).

• Stamped MSME Declaration Letter (for micro/small business applicants).

  
  

Registration Procedure

Follow these steps to register your trademark through the DGIP online system:

1. Create an account at the official website: https://merek.dgip.go.id/.

2. Log in and select “Permohonan Online” (Online Application).

3. Fill in the applicant’s details. If you use a representative (intellectual property consultant), complete the “Power of Attorney” section.

4. If you claim priority rights, fill in the “Priority” section.

5. Enter your trademark details, including the name, logo, and description.

6. Add the appropriate class of goods or services, then click “Tambah Kelas” (Add Class).

7. Upload all required supporting documents.

8. Generate a billing code, pay the registration fee, then save and proceed.

9. After payment, review all uploaded data and documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once verified, click “Selesai” (Finish) and “OK.”

10. Download the submission receipt from your application list as proof that your registration has been successfully submitted.

    
    

Processing Time and Fees

According to sources such as Hukumonline and Legalist Indonesia: Formal examination takes approximately 15 days after submission. Then, your trademark will go through a 2-month public announcement period. The substantive examination may take around 30 days if no issues arise, but it can extend to several months if there are objections, errors, or missing documents.

In total, the entire process—from submission to certificate issuance—may take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on document completeness and case complexity.

As for fees Rp 1,800,000 per class for general applicants & Rp 500,000 per class for micro and small businesses (UMK).

Registering your trademark is an essential step to protect your business identity and build customer trust. Though the process requires time and attention to detail, preparing all requirements early will ensure a smooth experience.

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