Securing Our Identity: Brilliantly Brave's Trademark Journey
When you're building a purpose-driven brand, protecting your identity isn't just about business - it's about safeguarding your mission and values. That's why we're delighted to announce that 'Brilliantly Brave' is now officially a registered trademark, thanks to invaluable support from Business Gateway Moray and intellectual property experts.
Navigating the IP Maze
For small businesses, intellectual property protection can feel like navigating a complex maze blindfolded. The process isn't exactly transparent, and the stakes are high - especially when your brand name carries the weight of your social mission.
Like most challenges we've faced, our first port of call was Lorna at Business Gateway Moray. From day one, Business Gateway has been our compass, offering not just guidance but genuine support and encouragement when we need it most.
Expert Guidance at No Cost
Through Business Gateway's specialist support program, we were connected with Colin Rose from Quarter Past Five Ltd, an intellectual property expert. What impressed us immediately was Colin's preparation - he'd already researched our brand and had clear ideas about the best approach for trademark protection.
Colin's expertise was invaluable. In just over an hour, he guided us through the application process, ensuring we positioned our trademark application correctly. The fact that this expert consultation came at no cost through Business Gateway's support program is remarkable - it's the kind of support that can make or break a small business.
The Waiting Game
After submission, the trademark application process involves several crucial checkpoints. As Colin explained to us, the first hurdle is a compliance check - ensuring the application meets all basic requirements and doesn't break any rules.
The next stage is perhaps the most nerve-wracking: publication. This is where existing trademark holders can review and potentially object to the application if they believe it infringes on their marks. Our application had to specify not just the name, but also the territorial limits and the specific classes of goods and services it would cover.
Those weeks of waiting were tense. Although Colin had helped us position our application carefully, there's always that uncertainty until you get the final confirmation.
Success and Security
Three months after submission, we received the certificate confirming 'Brilliantly Brave' as a registered trademark. This milestone matters for several reasons:
- Protection of Purpose: It safeguards not just our name, but the values and mission it represents
- Business Security: It provides legal protection as we expand our range and reach
- Licensing Confidence: It gives our licensing partners certainty about our brand rights
- Future Growth: It secures our identity as we develop new products and services
The Bigger Picture
This trademark registration is more than just legal protection - it's a foundation for our future growth and impact. As we continue to channel 100% of our profits into mental health initiatives, having this security allows us to focus on what matters most: creating positive change in our community.
The support we've received from Business Gateway Moray and experts like Colin Rose exemplifies what's possible when local business support services really work. It's enabled us to protect our brand professionally without diverting resources from our core mission.
For other small businesses navigating similar challenges, we can't recommend Business Gateway's services highly enough. Their ability to connect entrepreneurs with expert guidance at crucial moments can be transformative.
This trademark protection gives us the confidence to continue expanding our impact, knowing that the name 'Brilliantly Brave' - and everything it stands for - is secure.
About Brilliantly Brave
Brilliantly Brave is a purpose-driven greeting card publisher based in Moray, Scotland. Founded in 2024, the business creates beautifully designed cards that celebrate diversity, promote mental wellbeing, and directly fund community mental health initiatives. By channelling 100% of profits into local support services, we're pioneering a new model of social enterprise that proves commercial success and social impact can go hand in hand.
