How to register a trademark in the UK: step-by-step guide

How to register a trademark in the UK

Registering a trademark is an important step in protecting your brand, and it can give you exclusive rights to use your mark in the United Kingdom. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to register a trademark in the UK:

1. Conduct a trademark search: Before filing an application, you should conduct a trademark search to ensure that your desired trademark is available and does not infringe on someone else's registered trademark.

2. Decide on your trademark classification: Trademarks are classified into 45 different categories known as "classes". You need to decide which class your trademark belongs to before filing an application.

3. File a trademark application: You can file an application online using the UK Intellectual Property Office's (IPO) website. You will need to provide your personal details, your trademark details, and a representation of your trademark.

4. Pay the application fee: You will need to pay the application fee, which varies depending on the number of classes you apply for.

5. Wait for examination: Once you have filed your application, the IPO will examine it to ensure that it meets all the requirements for registration. If there are any issues, they will inform you of what needs to be done.

6. Publication in the Trade Marks Journal: If your application is successful, it will be published in the Trade Marks Journal. This is to give others a chance to oppose your trademark registration if they believe it infringes on their own trademarks.

7. Wait for the opposition period to expire: Once your trademark is published, there is a two-month period in which others can oppose it. If there are no oppositions, your trademark will be registered.

8. Receive your certificate: After your trademark has been registered, you will receive a certificate from the IPO.

9. Renew your trademark: Your trademark registration will last for 10 years from the date of application. You can renew your registration for further periods of 10 years by paying a renewal fee.

That's it! By following these steps, you can register your trademark in the UK and protect your brand.

Visit: Company registration in the UK

Trademark registration costs in the UK

The cost of registering a trademark in the UK varies depending on the number of classes you apply for and whether you apply online or by post. Here is a breakdown of the current trademark registration costs in the UK (as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021):

1. Online application:

. One class: £170

. Additional classes: £50 each

2. Paper application:

. One class: £200

. Additional classes: £50 each

Note that these fees cover the filing and examination of your application. If your application is successful, you will also need to pay a registration fee of £200 per class. You may also incur additional costs if you hire a trademark attorney to assist you with your application.

It's important to keep in mind that trademark registration costs can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the UK Intellectual Property Office's website for the most up-to-date information.

Documents required for Trademark Registration in the UK

To register a trademark in the UK, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Trademark application form: This is the main document that you will need to complete and submit to the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to apply for trademark registration. You can complete the application form online or by post.

2. Representation of your trademark: You will need to provide a clear representation of your trademark, which should be submitted along with your application. This can be a graphical or text-based representation of your trademark, and it should be in black and white (or greyscale) and a high-resolution image.

3. List of goods or services: You will need to provide a list of the goods or services that your trademark will be used for. These goods or services should fall within the category or categories that your trademark is registered under.

4. Power of attorney: If you are filing a trademark application through an attorney or agent, you will need to provide a power of attorney document that authorizes them to act on your behalf.

5. Priority document (if applicable): If you are claiming priority based on an earlier trademark application filed in another country, you will need to provide a certified copy of that application.

6. Evidence of use (if applicable): If you are applying for a trademark based on prior use, you may need to provide evidence of use of the trademark in the UK.

It's important to ensure that all of the required documents are complete and accurate before submitting your trademark application to the IPO. Failure to provide the necessary documents may result in delays or rejection of your application.