Intellectual property: do not copy, and do not be copied

Private label means building something that is yours, not falling into infringement. You must know your limits and protect your brand.

What to avoid

• Using a well known brand’s logo or name, or imitating it.
• Copying a protected design or a print covered by rights.
• Using other people’s photos without permission.

What to protect

• Register your brand name and logo in your market before you spend on marketing.
• Agree with the supplier that they will not use your labels and packaging for anyone else.
• Keep the design files and photos you produced.

Catalogue designs

Catalogue designs may be shared, so do not claim you invented them. Focus on what you really own: the name, the identity and your changes.

Exercise

Search your brand name in the trademark records of your market. And check that you use no element that belongs to someone else.