Trade Mark Registration
TRADE MARK
Why register your trademark?
Without registration you risk:
Loss of legal protection – competitors can use similar branding
Losing your brand – someone else could register it first
Problems with platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify – you can’t report counterfeits
Main benefits:
Full legal protection for name, logo, slogan
Right to take legal action against infringement
Increases brand value (licensing/selling possible)
Stronger position against counterfeits
Protection period and renewal
A registered UK trademark in the UK is valid for 10 years from the date of filing.
It can be renewed for consecutive 10-year periods with no limit on the number of renewals.
Pricing:
£550 – renewal in 1 class
£100 – each additional class
You can renew your trademark up to 6 months before its expiry date.
Late renewal is possible within 6 months after expiry (additional UKIPO late fee will apply).
Trademark Registration in UK
Trademark registration in the United Kingdom is a key step in protecting your brand from unfair competition. If you want exclusive rights to use your company name, logo, or slogan, you should go through the registration process with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).
What is a trademark and what can be registered?
A trademark is a unique sign that distinguishes your products or services from those of others. In the UK, a registered trademark must be clearly defined and capable of being represented graphically.
Types of trademarks that can be registered:
Word marks – e.g. TESCO, Nike, Apple
Logo marks – e.g. Mercedes-Benz symbol
Combined marks – word + image
Slogans – e.g. Just Do It
Colour or colour combination – e.g. purple for Milka
Product shape – e.g. Coca-Cola bottle
Sound – e.g. Netflix jingle
What cannot be registered:
Generic or descriptive words (milk for dairy products)
Misleading terms (eco for non-eco products)
National emblems or flags
Religious or offensive symbols
A UK trademark is protected for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Using ® and ™ symbols
™ – can be used before registration
® – can be used only after official registration in the UKIPO
Misuse of ® without registration can result in a fine.
Registration process in the UK
Step 1 – Availability search
We check whether your trademark is already registered to avoid losing the application fee. UKIPO does not refund rejected applications.
Step 2 – Choosing the right classes
We determine the product/service categories for your trademark (Nice Classification: 1–34 goods, 35–45 services).
Step 3 – Filing the application
We prepare the application including trademark description and sample (for logos – in graphic format).
Step 4 – Publication and oppositions
Your trademark is published in the UK Trademark Journal for 2 months. If no opposition is filed, the trademark is registered and you receive the official certificate.
Fees & Timelines
When applying for a UK trademark, you can choose between two application methods:
1. Standard option (one-time payment) – you pay the full fee upfront. Your application goes directly into examination by the UKIPO. If the application is refused for any reason, the entire fee is lost. This option is slightly faster as the process starts immediately after payment.
2. Right Start option (two-stage, safer) – you pay only half of the fee at the start. The UKIPO examines whether your trademark meets the registration requirements.
If the examination is successful, you have 28 days to pay the remaining fee to proceed with registration.
If the application is refused, you lose only the first instalment, saving you from paying the full amount for a rejected application.
This option is recommended if there is any uncertainty about the mark’s registrability.
Application timeline:
UKIPO examination: usually within 2–3 weeks from filing.
Publication period: 2 months (this is the time when third parties can oppose your application).
If no opposition is filed, registration is completed and you receive the official certificate.
Opposition handling:
Our fee includes representation in opposition proceedings before the UKIPO if an opposition is filed during the publication stage (standard opposition process only – without additional court litigation).