How to trade mark a logo in Australia

A logo trade mark protects the visual design that represents your brand. Once registered, no one else can use a deceptively similar logo for the same goods or services.

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What is a logo trade mark?

A logo trade mark protects a visual design element that identifies your business. This can be a standalone graphic, an icon, a stylised version of your brand name, or a combination of text and imagery.

Unlike a word mark, which protects the words themselves regardless of how they are displayed, a logo trade mark protects the specific visual representation. This means the protection is tied to how the logo looks. Read more about the difference in our guide to word marks vs logo marks.

Examples

A standalone graphic element, like the Markster tick icon, used independently as a brand identifier
A combined mark that pairs a graphic element with text, like the Markster tick alongside the word "Markster"
A stylised version of your company name with distinctive typography or lettering that goes beyond standard fonts

When to use a logo trade mark

Your visual identity is distinctive

A logo mark is useful when customers recognise the visual design itself, not just the brand name. This is common for e-commerce, apps, consumer products, fashion labels, and brands with strong icon systems.

You use a symbol on its own

If you use an icon, badge, mascot, monogram, or device without the brand name next to it, a separate logo filing can make enforcement cleaner. The filing should match how the symbol is actually used.

You already have a word mark

A logo mark can add a second layer of protection once the name is protected. If budget is limited, most businesses start with the word mark because it survives logo updates.

How to register a logo trade mark

Prepare your logo file

Upload a clear image of your logo as you intend to use it. We accept common image formats and convert the file to the format IP Australia requires before filing.

Choose your classes

Select the Nice Classification classes that cover the goods and services you use, or intend to use, the logo for. Our AI-assisted tool helps identify the right classes.

File your application

Submit your application through our online filing tool or work with our trade mark lawyers for a lawyer-led filing. Either way, we file directly with IP Australia and manage routine examination.

Respond to examination

IP Australia examines the logo for distinctiveness, conflicts, and formal requirements. If no objections or oppositions arise, the logo proceeds to registration.

Common pitfalls

A logo without distinctive features

A logo that is just your business name in a standard font may not add much protection beyond the words themselves. The more distinctive the graphic elements, the more useful a logo registration usually is.

Only registering the combined mark

If you file your brand name and logo as a single combined mark, you only have protection for that specific combination. Registering the word and logo separately gives you broader, more flexible protection. Our guide on whether to register your logo, name, or both explains the trade-offs.

Changing the logo after registration

Your trade mark protects the logo as filed. If you significantly alter your logo, the original registration may not cover the new design, and you may need a new application. Read our article on what happens when you change your logo.

Filing the wrong version

Businesses often have horizontal, stacked, icon-only, and reversed logo versions. The application should focus on the version that carries the most brand value and is used consistently in trade.

Cost and timeline

Filing a logo trade mark costs the same as any standard trade mark application. Our online filing tool starts from $799 for one class, including government fees and GST, with additional classes at $689 each. For complex situations, our lawyer-led service provides a fixed-fee quote. The process typically takes 7 to 8 months from filing to registration if no objections or oppositions arise.

See pricing and what's included

Frequently asked questions

Should I trade mark my logo separately from my business name?

If budget allows, yes. A word mark protects the name in any visual form, while a logo mark protects the specific design. Together, they give broader protection. If you need to prioritise, a word mark is usually the stronger starting point because it survives logo updates. Read our guide on registering your logo, name, or both for a detailed decision framework.

Should I file my logo in colour or black and white?

In Australia, the safest starting point is usually to file the logo as you actually use it. If colour is a key part of the mark, that should be considered carefully, especially if you also plan to file overseas. International rules can differ, so colour strategy should be checked before filing a multi-country application.

How much does it cost to trade mark a logo?

Through our online filing service, filing a logo trade mark starts from $799 for one class, including government fees and GST. Each additional class is $689. For complex applications, our lawyer-led trade mark application service provides a fixed-fee quote before work starts.

What file format do I need for my logo?

A clear PNG, JPEG, SVG, or PDF is usually enough for us to prepare the application. The important point is that the image accurately shows the logo version you want protected.

How long does logo trade mark registration take?

In Australia, registration typically takes 7 to 8 months from filing if no objections or oppositions arise. Your rights usually date back to the filing date once the mark is registered.

Can I register individual elements of my logo separately?

Yes. If your logo contains a distinctive standalone symbol, you can file that symbol separately from the word mark and the combined logo. Each filing gives a different layer of protection.