0800 086 2864 juli@connxess.co.uk

The following content is a guest post by one of our trusted partners, NBR Group, providing expert tips on IP Protection.

When you’re a sole trader or running a small, locally based business, it can be easy to think that brand protection is only for big companies. After all, you’re focused on serving your community, managing your day-to-day operations, and growing your reputation. But here’s the truth: your business name is one of your most valuable assets, no matter how small your operation might be.

Why Should You Protect Your Business Name?

Your business name isn’t just a name; it’s your identity. It’s what your customers know you by and how they recommend you to others. A strong reputation builds loyalty, but what happens if someone else starts using your name – intentionally or unintentionally?

Without protection, you might find yourself competing with a similar-sounding business or, worse, lose credibility if customers confuse your business with another. This risk is even higher in local areas, where word-of-mouth recommendations are key.

“But I’m Too Small to Need This… Aren’t I?”

We hear this a lot from smaller businesses. The reality is that small businesses are often the most vulnerable. Larger companies typically have the resources to secure trade marks and pursue legal action when needed. For smaller businesses, the cost and complexity of registering a trade mark might feel out of reach.

That’s where Business Name Protection comes in. For just £125+VAT per year, the service from National Business Register offers a practical, affordable way to safeguard your name and reputation.

What Does Business Name Protection Offer?

Business Name Protection service is designed for businesses that aren’t ready or don’t want to trade mark but still want peace of mind. Here’s how it works:

  1. Your Name Registered: National Business register will register your business name on their Business Name Protection register, this creates a clear, searchable record of your claim to the name.
  2. Deterrence Against Copycats: Knowing your name is protected can discourage others from using it, helping you maintain your unique identity.
  3. Support in Cases of Passing Off: If someone else tries to trade on your reputation, National Business Register will help you take action to stop them, and will cover the legal costs of doing this up to £10,000.
  4. Aids Google Verification: It has been proven that having a Business Name Protection Certificate has aided the verification process with Google, this has helped many business owners with their SEO and being found by local customers.

What’s the Alternative?

The gold standard for protecting your business name is registering a trade mark. However, trade marks require a more significant investment of time and money.  Additionally, not all names or words are capable of being trade-marked. For many micro businesses, Business Name Protection offers a solid alternative until you’re ready to make the leap to full trade mark registration.

Think of it as laying the groundwork for your future growth. By securing your name now, you’re protecting the reputation and goodwill you’re building every day.

Real-World Example: A Sole Trader’s Story

Imagine you’re a sole trader running a bakery called “Sweet Bites”. You’ve worked hard to become a household name in your local area, and your customers love you. Then, a new bakery opens just a few streets away, also called “Sweet Bites” or the next town a “Sweet Bite Treats” is set up. Suddenly, you’re getting calls about orders you didn’t make and complaints about cakes you didn’t bake. Your reputation is at risk – through no fault of your own.

With Business Name Protection, you’d already have a record of your name and support to challenge the other business, protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build.

Secure Your Name Today

Whether you’re a sole trader, a startup, or a small local business, protecting your name is an investment in your future. Don’t wait until your name is at risk. Take action now and safeguard your business for just £125+VAT per year.

For more information, visit National Business Register or get in touch with us to discuss how we can help keep your business safe.