If someone has registered your brand name, don't panic. Depending on the situation, there are different ways to respond.
Trademarks follow a first-to-file principle, so a brand that isn't registered early can be taken by someone else. If this happens, consider the following options.
- File an opposition within the statutory period
- Request invalidation if the registration was improper
- Request revocation if the mark has not been used for a long time
- Negotiate to buy it back or obtain a license
Prevention is still best: register your trademark in your main markets before launching the brand.