Trade marks timeline
Updated 1 April 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/process-for-applying-to-register-for-a-trade-mark/trade-marks-timeline
1. Before you apply
You need to:
- decide which groups of goods or services (known as ‘classes’) to register your trade mark in
- check if anyone else has already registered your trade mark
2. Prepare your application
Your application must include:
- details of what you want to register, for example the written words or slogan you want to use or an illustration
- the trade mark classes and terms you want to register
3. Send your application
When you are ready to apply, you must decide which type of application to choose.
| Fee | Each additional class | |
| Standard application (online) | £205 | £60 |
|---|---|---|
| Right start application | £250 (£125 up front plus £135 if you go ahead with your registration) | £60 (£30 up front plus £30 if you go ahead with your registration) |
4. After you apply
The IPO will:
- examine your application (within 2 weeks)
- search for similar trade marks, and contact the holder directly if they find one
- publish your application in the trade marks journal, providing there are no objections (2 months). If your application is not opposed, your mark will be registered 2 weeks later.
5. Opposition
If someone opposes your application, you can either:
- talk to the person making the opposition
- withdraw your application
- defend your application legally - you will have to pay legal costs if you do this
6. When your trade mark is registered
The IPO will:
- register your trade mark around 3 months after you apply, if it has not been objected to or opposed.
- send you a certificate to confirm your trade mark is registered. You can then:
- object to other people’s trade marks, for example if you think they are identical or similar to yours.
- sell, market, license and mortgage your trade mark.
Your trade mark will last 10 years – you can renew your trade mark every 10 years.