The Firm, as Trade Mark Agents and European Community Trade Mark Practitioners can offer advice and assistance in pre-registration searches and in the registration of Marks in Ireland and the European Community.

Very few business people realise the value of their intellectual property, or the value that can be associated with their Trade Mark and Trade Name in particular. The process of registration of a Trade Mark in relation to the particular category of goods or services offered by a business enterprise, is relatively straightforward and the firm can advise in relation to the processes and the costs involved.

There is an internationally recognised system of classification called the Nice Convention, which categorises goods and services into 45 different Classes. Each Class heading is also divided up into sub-headings, covering all possible ranges or goods and services.

It is possible to register a Trade Mark in Ireland under the terms of the Trade Marks Act 1996 and the Trade Mark Rules 1996. It is possible to register a Mark in the European Union through the Office for Harmonisation of the Internal Market (OHIM), which is based in Alicante, Spain. In either case, it is necessary that the Application, if it is to be made through an agent, be made through a registered Trade Mark agent, or a registered European Community Trade Mark practitioner. Bill Holohan is both.