To apply for trademark protection in the UK, you will need to follow these steps:
Check if Your Trademark is Eligible
Ensure your trademark is unique and not too similar to existing trademarks. A trademark can include a word, logo, slogan, or a combination of these, but it must be distinctive and not misleading, offensive, or too generic.
Conduct a Trademark Search
Before applying, it's important to conduct a search of existing trademarks to ensure yours doesn’t conflict with others. You can search the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) database for registered trademarks and pending applications.
Choose the Right Trademark Class
Trademarks are registered under specific "classes" that define the types of goods or services covered. There are 45 different classes (34 for goods and 11 for services), and you must select the appropriate ones when filing your application.
File Your Application with the UK IPO
You can apply online through the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) website. The application form will require details about your trademark, the goods or services it applies to, and the classes you’ve chosen.
The standard online application fee is £170 for one class, with an additional £50 for each additional class you include.
Apply here https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-apply.
Examination by the UK IPO
Once you’ve submitted your application, the UK IPO will examine it to ensure it meets the criteria for registration. If there are any issues, such as similarities to existing trademarks or incomplete information, the office may contact you for clarification or to correct the issues.
Publication for Opposition
If your application passes the examination, your trademark will be published in the UK Trade Marks Journal for two months. During this time, other parties can oppose the registration if they believe it infringes on their rights. If no opposition is raised, or if any opposition is resolved, the process continues.
Registration and Protection
If no opposition is raised, or any opposition is successfully resolved, your trademark will be registered. The UK IPO will issue you a certificate of registration, and your trademark will be protected for 10 years. After this period, you can renew the trademark every 10 years indefinitely.
By following this process, you can secure trademark protection for your brand in the UK, safeguarding your intellectual property from unauthorised use.
