Why Migrant Small Businesses Need TM Help in Australia
Migrant-owned businesses form a big part of Australia’s economy. One in three small businesses is started by someone born overseas. These ventures employ more than 1.4 million people and bring fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and cultural richness into the country.
Starting a business in a new country takes more than blind ambition. It requires courage, careful planning, and discernment. After investing your hard-earned dollars on education, migration, living costs, launching a business is much higher step that most people are unwilling to take. But for the brave few, it’s represents creating something of your own, putting down roots, and making Australia truly feel like home.
Yet despite this entrepreneurial drive, most migrant-owned brands remain legally unprotected. Fewer than 4% of migrant business owners have registered a trademark. That means over 96% are vulnerable to brand imitation and customer confusion. These risks can escalate into expensive legal disputes or a forced total rebrand of the business, even after years of hard work.
With the natural feeling of being “outsiders”, many migrant business owners don’t seek help simply because they don’t know where to go. Some feel that they’re not entitled to such support because they’re new to Australia. This uncertainty leads most people to ignore important steps to protect their business like trademark registration and management.
We are working to change that. We hope to increase awareness and provide clear, accessible support, especially for those who feel they have nowhere to turn. By reaching out to underrepresented communities and knowledge of intellectual property more accessible, we can empower more migrant businesses owners to protect what they’ve built.
Trademark registration is a direct and simple way to protect the intellectual property behind your brand. It secures your name, logo, and business identity against competitors who might try to copy or profit from your hard work. Taking this preventive action is far less stressful and expensive than damage control for trademark infringement.
If you’re bold enough to start a business in a new country, you are entitled to protecting it.
Let’s make sure your brand is as strong as your dreams.
Learn more about Trademark Protection in Australia here: https://markport.com.au/trademarks-faq-for-australia
Source: CGU Insurance, Migrant Small Business Report (2018)