Trademark registration in the UK is possible for several types of marks, and it ensures that a business protects its distinctive image. To register a trademark in the UK it is mandatory to submit an application to the Intellectual Property Office.
Our lawyer in England can help you apply for a trademark in the UK, effectively acting as a UK trademark agent if needed.
Please find out below more about trademark registration in the UK and how our lawyer in London can help you.
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How to apply for a trademark in the UK
The basic steps required to register a trademark in the UK are the following:
- Design the mark: this will reflect your business identity. Marks can include: letters, symbols, signs, colours, sounds, or combinations thereof, to name a few ideas. Most commonly, they can be slogans or illustrations;
- Decide the class for which you will be applying. You can choose one or more classes (these are groups of goods or services your business will be offering);
- Chek the availability of the mark: before you apply for trademark registration in the UK, you have to make sure that the combination is not already in use;
- Prepare the application: the application dossier includes details of the mark you want to use (illustrated or presented in an intelligible manner), as well as information on the class/classes you are applying for;
- Apply: you will send your application to the Intellectual Property Office, the IPO.
The authorities usually examine applications within two weeks, after which they publish the application in the trademarks journal.
The trademark opposition period in the UK is two months, and if no objection is submitted within this time, the mark is registered two weeks following the end of the opposition period.
Once the mark is registered, the IPO issues a registration certificate which is sent to the applicant. As a trademark holder, you will be able to oppose other applications, if you believe that they are similar or identical to your registered mark.
Trademark holders enjoy full rights over their registered mark, meaning that they can market and license the mark or even sell it.
Our lawyer in the UK can assist with the application process. Upon request, we also offer services that include having a trademark agent in the UK who will provide counsel throughout the application stages.
Trademark application costs in the UK
One of the most commonly asked questions is what is the trademark registration cost in the UK? Our lawyer in England lists some of these costs below:
- £170 for the standard online application for one class of goods or services;
- £50 for each additional class you want to apply for;
- £200 for the “Right start application” (£100 paid initially plus £100 if you decide to move forward with the application).
The “Right start application” is a service offered by the IPO through which you can pay a different fee for the application when the trademark is examined beforehand. This can be helpful for those who want to know if their trademark conflicts with other existing ones before they pay the full application fees.
If you would like to receive more personalised information about the trademark registration cost in the UK, our team can answer your questions.
Trademark validity and renewal in the UK
Those who choose to protect their trademark in the UK will benefit from a 10-year protection period. Registered trademarks can be renewed for successive 10-year periods. It should be noted that renewal submissions are to be lodged before the expiry of the initial ten years, to ensure the continuity of the protection.
In addition to trademark protection matters, our lawyers can also assist those who want to set up a company in the UK.
Contact us for more information about trademark registration in the UK and our dedicated solutions for those looking to protect the distinctive traits of their business.
