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Establish your own copyright - pay the fees - get the license.

Establishing my own copyright - I have been looking at this as would be simpler for me to supply Customs with the letter proving I own the brand but can't see anything on pricing for this.

You do realize it is a couple hundred bucks to apply for a patent/trademark.

Nope, I didnt realise - I thought due to the nature it would be a LARGE sum!

Thanks for that, solves my issue if its that cheap. Makes sense to do it, and only have to produce the paperwork when necessary

sounds from what you say, your own logos on a bland base, seems ok, no need to register anything just yet, I expect you want to see how it sells first, but if it went well I would definately trademark it, or someone else will!

I have imported OEM before BUT always 100 pieces or less at a time, never had issues, no seizures or extra duty. These were similar/OEM versions of certain JML products, possibly some IP issues there, with regard to design etc but that was never a customs issue, as you are not talking anything immediately recognised and no well known logos.

Yes, plain base and building from there. Definately need to test the water however, don't see why it wouldnt hit a market. Have some good marketing ideas besides selling just on platforms.

oompah - any other info you have would be good to know, with regards to how OEM seems to sell etc.

oem, getting more and more difficult on ebay as the traffic goes to the branded items, oem fights for the leftovers and lower prices, you know how it is, but I get some sales. Without knowing what you sell exactly cannot gauge. my products are in health and beauty catagory. really helpful to have a word in title that draws attention but is not a copyrighted word eg 'epilator' gets traffic.

I do not logo or customise though, others are selling same thing as me usually...

OEM can be excellent - there is only one problem and that is if it is a blatant copy of something. As an example my step-daughter has started selling her petticoats under the Petticoat Dreams label. She has no copyright and the brand is just hers. If she decided to bring them in from China she would have no problems as she is the one trading as Petticoat Dreams.

Therefore it follows that if you are importing products that bear your label, and that are not blatant rip offs (Nikee instead of Nike as an example) then I cannot see why you personally will have any problems.

The reason to go for trademark protection is that you fear someone else will cash in on your design and your ideas to the extent it could seriously damage your endeavours.

Be realistic - first of all how likely is that, secondly how damaging would it be to you.

Pragmatism is very important here

Remember a week in politics is a long time and the same goes for a week in business. What's hot this week can be stone cold next week