Get answers to common questions about trademark registration, our services, and the application process.
A trademark is a legal protection for your brand name, logo, or slogan that distinguishes your products or services from competitors. You need a trademark to protect your brand identity, prevent others from using similar marks, build brand value, and have legal recourse against infringement. Without trademark protection, your brand is vulnerable to copycats and you may lose the right to use your brand name if someone else registers it first.
The ™ symbol can be used immediately when you start using a brand name or logo to indicate you're claiming trademark rights, even before registration. The ® symbol can only be used after your trademark is officially registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO). Using ® without registration is illegal and can result in fines.
UK trademark registration lasts for 10 years from the filing date. You can renew your trademark indefinitely every 10 years, as long as you're actively using it and paying the renewal fees. There's no limit to how many times you can renew, meaning your trademark can potentially last forever with proper maintenance.
Our Basic Package (£390) includes: comprehensive trademark search across UK and EU databases, professional preparation and filing of your trademark application, basic support throughout the process, monitoring of your application status, and guidance on responding to any initial objections. This covers one trademark class - additional classes are £100 each.
No hidden fees! Our pricing is completely transparent. The quoted price includes all our service fees and UK IPO filing fees. The only additional costs would be: extra trademark classes (£100 each), priority filing if requested (£200), or if you choose optional add-ons like trademark monitoring. We'll always inform you of any additional costs before proceeding.
We accept all major payment methods including credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers. Payment is processed securely through encrypted systems. You can pay in full upfront or we offer payment plans for higher-value packages.
Our streamlined 4-step process makes trademark registration simple:
You'll need to provide: your business name and address, contact person details, a clear representation of your trademark (name, logo, or both), the goods/services you want to protect (we help with Nice Classification), and proof of use or intent to use. For companies, we'll need incorporation details. Don't worry - our team guides you through every requirement.
While we can't guarantee approval (no legitimate service can), we have a 98% success rate due to our thorough pre-filing search and expert application preparation. We identify potential conflicts early and advise on the best strategy. If your application faces objections, we provide guidance on how to respond and can assist with appeals if needed.
Trademark classes are categories of goods and services defined by the Nice Classification system. You should choose classes that cover your current business activities and future expansion plans. Common classes include Class 9 (software), Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (advertising), and Class 42 (technology services). Our experts help you select the most appropriate classes to maximize protection while minimizing costs.
After your trademark is published in the Trade Marks Journal, there's a 2-month opposition period where third parties can oppose your registration. If opposition occurs, we assess the merits and advise on the best course of action. This might include negotiating with the opponent, providing evidence of prior use, or limiting your specification. Our legal team can represent you in opposition proceedings if needed.
It depends on various factors including the similarity of the marks, the relatedness of the goods/services, and the strength of the existing trademark. Marks in different classes can sometimes coexist, but if there's a likelihood of confusion, your application may be rejected. Our comprehensive search identifies potential conflicts before filing, saving you time and money.
The complete process typically takes 3-4 months if there are no objections. Here's the timeline: Application filing (immediate), UK IPO examination (2-3 weeks), publication in Trade Marks Journal (2 months opposition period), and registration certificate issuance (2-3 weeks after opposition period ends). If objections or oppositions arise, the process can take 6-12 months or longer.
You can only use the ® symbol after your trademark is officially registered and you've received the registration certificate from the UK IPO. However, you can use the ™ symbol immediately when you start using your brand name or logo to indicate you're claiming trademark rights. Using ® before registration is illegal and can result in fines.
Yes, we offer expedited processing options. Our Express Service (£150 add-on) ensures your application is filed within 24 hours. Priority filing can also speed up the initial examination process. However, the 2-month opposition period cannot be shortened as it's required by law. We recommend starting early to avoid delays.
Our trademark experts are here to help. Get in touch for personalized advice.