What you can and cannot register

Your trade mark must be unique. It can include: words sounds logos colours a combination of any of these Your trade mark cannot: be offensive, for example contain swear words or pornographic images describe the goods or services it will relate to, for example the word ‘cotton’ cannot be a trade mark for a cotton textile company be misleading, for example use the word ‘organic’ for goods that are not organic be a 3-dimensional shape associated with your trade mark, for example use the shape of an egg for eggs be too common and non-distinctive, for example be a simple statement like ‘we lead the way’ look too similar to state symbols like flags or hallmarks, based on World Intellectual Property Organization guidelines Series applications If you have similar versions of your trade mark, you can make a series application for up to six marks. All your marks should: look the same sound the same mean the same Any differences must be minor. Check if your trade mark is already registered You must search the trade marks database before you send your application to check if anyone has already registered an identical or similar trade mark for the same or similar goods or services. You can ask the holder of an existing trade mark for permission to register yours. They must give you a ‘letter of consent’ - you must send this letter with your application. You can use a trade mark attorney to help you with searches and registrations.

You cannot change your trade mark once you’ve applied, and the fees are non-refundable. You’ll get feedback on your application (called an ‘examination report’) within 40 working days. Read the guide to new applications before you start if you’ve not applied before. Apply now You need: details of what you want to register, for example a word, illustration or slogan the trade mark classes you want to register in, for example food and drink services (class 43) or chemicals (class 1) How much it costs You can use the ‘Right Start’ service if you want to check your application meets the rules for registration. You pay £100 initially, plus £50 for each additional class. You’ll then get a report telling you if your application meets the rules. If you want to continue, you must pay the full fee within 14 days of getting your report. You can also choose to continue your application even if it does not meet the rules for registration. Fee Each additional class Standard application (online) £170 £50 Right Start application (online) £200 (£100 up front plus £100 if you go ahead with your registration) £50 (£25 up front plus £25 if you go ahead with your registration) A series application for three or more marks costs an additional £50 per mark. Other ways to apply Fill in the paper forms if you want to apply by post. It costs £200 for one class plus £50 for each additional class.

You’ll get feedback on your application (an ‘examination report’) in up to 40 working days - you have 2 months to resolve any problems . If the examiner has no objections your application will be published in the trade marks journal for 2 months, during which time anyone can oppose it. Your trade mark will be registered once any objections are resolved - you’ll get a certificate to confirm this. If your application is opposed The Intellectual Property Office will tell you if someone opposes your application. You can either: withdraw your application talk to the person making the opposition defend your application You cannot register your trade mark until the matter is settled and may have to pay legal costs if you want to challenge the opposing party. Read guidance on your options following an opposition . Research previous trade mark decisions to help you with a dispute and prepare for a hearing. Once your trade mark is registered You must report any changes to your name, address or email address. You can object to other people’s trade marks , for example if you think they are identical or similar to yours. You can sell, market, license and mortgage your trade mark . Your trade mark will last 10 years - you can renew it after that time.

Unregistered trade marks

You may be able to stop someone using a similar trade mark to yours on their goods and services (known as ‘passing off’), even if you have not registered it. You’ll usually need to get legal advice from a trade mark attorney . It’s harder to prove passing off than it is to defend a registered trade mark. To be successful you’ll need to show that: the mark is yours you’ve built up goodwill associated with the mark you’ve been harmed in some way by the other person’s use of the mark

Apply to register a trade mark

Register a trade mark

You can register your trade mark to protect your brand, for example the name of your product or service.

When you register your trade mark, you’ll be able to:

take legal action against anyone who uses your brand without your permission, including counterfeiters
put the ® symbol next to your brand - to show that it’s yours and warn others against using it
sell and license your brand

How to register a trade mark

Check if your brand qualifies as a trade mark.
Apply to register your trade mark.
Respond to any objections.

The registration process takes about 4 months if no-one objects. Registered trade marks last 10 years.

Register your trade mark overseas

Registering a trade mark in the UK only protects your brand in the UK.

There are different processes for registering EU and international trade marks.

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Apply to register a trade mark

Register a trade mark

How to register a trade mark

Register your trade mark overseas

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Part of Set up as self-employed (a 'sole trader'): step by step

Apply to register a trade mark

Register a trade mark

How to register a trade mark

Register your trade mark overseas

Brexit

Part of Set up as self-employed (a 'sole trader'): step by step

Step 1: Check if being self-employed is right for you

Step 2: Choose the name you want to trade under

Step 3: Check what records you'll need to keep

Step 4: Register for tax

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Step 1 Check if being self-employed is right for you

Step 2 Choose the name you want to trade under

Step 3 Check what records you'll need to keep

Step 4 Register for tax