Can I Use My Brand Before Trademark Registration?

[Sasi Kala]

I have applied for trademark registration for my business name, but the application is still under examination. Can I start using the brand name and logo for my products and marketing before the trademark is officially registered? Are there any legal risks if someone else claims ownership during this period?

[KASTURI SETHI]

Q. Are there any legal risks if someone else claims ownership during this period ?

Ans. YES.

Better option is not to use trademark before registration at all.

Full protection would be absent.

Do not hurry.

AI Summary

Trademark registration risk: using a brand name before registration may leave the business without full protection.
Using a brand name or logo before trademark registration carries legal risk because the application may still be under examination and full protection is not yet available. The guidance advises that a business should not hurry to use the trademark before registration, since another person may later claim ownership during this period.