Someone filed a mark similar to ours after we started using the brand—can we stop them?

Question: “Someone filed a mark similar to ours after we started using the brand—can we stop them, and what proof of earlier use do we need?” 

Answer  

Yes—often you can stop them, but the best route depends on where their mark sits in the lifecycle (filed vs published vs registered) and how strong your prior-use evidence is. 

First triage: where are they in the process? 

You typically have three scenarios: 

Scenario A: They’ve filed and it’s pending / published 

Best leverage window.
You can usually: 

• oppose (if publication stage exists in that jurisdiction), or 

• submit observations / rely on relative grounds (where available), and 

• simultaneously strengthen your own position (e.g., file your own application if not already). 

Scenario B: They are already registered 

You may still be able to: 

• seek cancellation/invalidity (especially for bad faith or earlier rights), and/or 

• rely on prior user rights to defend your continued use and challenge their enforcement. 

Scenario C: They’re using it in the market (even without registration) 

You can still act through: 

• passing off / unfair competition type claims (jurisdiction-dependent), 

• takedowns on platforms (marketplaces/social), and 

• commercial pressure (distributor/channel notices), but only if your evidence is solid. 

The proof that actually matters (what “earlier use” means in practice) 

An expert will want evidence that is dated, consistent, and shows real trade, not just “we had the idea.” 

Strong evidence (gold) 

• Invoices / contracts / quotations showing the mark and goods/services 

• Delivery notes / purchase orders 

• Payment proofs tied to branded invoices (bank transfer records, receipts) 

• Packaging / labels / product photos with timestamps (or print orders from vendors) 

• Website evidence (dated pages, archive records, domain invoices) 

• Marketplace listings (seller dashboards, order history, product pages with dates) 

• Social media with dated posts + proof it’s your official account (business verification helps) 

Helpful supporting evidence (silver) 

• Brand guidelines, pitch decks, marketing proposals with distribution proof 

• Third-party mentions (press, blogs, event brochures) 

• Distributor agreements, agency contracts 

• Customer testimonials (better if linked to purchase) 

Weak evidence (red flags) 

• Undated artwork files 

• “We created the logo in Canva in 2022” 

• A single Instagram post without commerce trail 

• Internal emails only (unless supported by external proof) 

Rule of thumb: your evidence should show (1) the mark, (2) the goods/services, (3) the territory/market, and (4) a reliable date. 

Practical action plan (what you do next) 

Step 1: Lock evidence (do this immediately) 

• Take screenshots of your use as-is (don’t edit pages first) 

• Compile a “prior use bundle” chronologically (earliest → latest) 

• Preserve metadata where possible (vendor emails, print orders, domain receipts) 

Step 2: Evaluate confusion + overlap 

Stopping them is easier if: 

• the marks are close in sound/look/meaning 

• you operate in overlapping goods/services 

• you share channels (same customers, same platforms) 

Step 3: Pick the legal route that matches their stage 

• Pending/published: opposition is usually the cleanest and fastest route. 

• Registered: cancellation/invalidity + defensive strategy for continued use. 

• Active misuse on platforms: parallel track—takedowns + notice strategy (but be careful: false/overbroad claims can backfire). 

What “bad faith” looks like (and why it matters) 

If you can show they filed to block you (ex-employee, distributor fallout, competitor copying), your leverage increases—especially if: 

• they had prior dealings with you (emails, WhatsApp, proposals) 

• they copied your branding/packaging 

• they filed right after seeing your launch/marketing 

Bad faith arguments can be powerful, but they must be evidence-led, not vibes-led. 

What NOT to do 

• Don’t send threats before your evidence pack is ready. 

• Don’t rush a weak opposition—a poorly supported filing can strengthen their hand. 

• Don’t “negotiate” without anchors (your prior-use bundle + a clear outcome you want). 

Consult an expert with these 5 items (to move fast) 

1. Your mark + how you use it (word/logo, goods/services) 
2. Their mark details (application/registration number, classes, status) 
3. Your earliest dated proof of use (top 5 documents) 
4. Territory/channels (where you sell; online/offline/platforms) 
5. What you want the outcome to be (stop them fully, coexist, carve-outs, settlement)