After you apply

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will examine your application and send you an ‘examination report’ within 2 to 3 weeks.

The report tells you if there are problems with your application (known as ‘objections’), that may mean you would not be able to register your trade mark.

You have 2 months to resolve any objections.

The IPO will also search for existing trade marks that are the same as, or similar to, yours. If they find any, they’ll contact both you and the registered holders.

If there are no objections or you resolve them, your application will be published in the trade marks journal for 2 months. Anyone may ‘oppose’ your application during this time.

If someone opposes your application

The IPO will tell you if someone opposes your application.

If your application is opposed you will not be able to register your trade mark in the relevant classes or terms until you’ve solved the issue.

You can either:

  • talk to the person making the opposition
  • withdraw your application
  • defend your application legally - you will have to pay legal costs

See previous trade mark decisions to help you with a dispute and prepare for a hearing.