Essential Guide to Trademarks in

United Kingdom

Protecting Your Brand with Brealant’s Expertise

A Hassle-Free Registration Journey with Brealant

  • Contact

    Reach out to Brealant, your trusted trademark agent in United Kingdom and experienced trademark attorney in United Kingdom, to discuss your trademark needs.

  • Search

    Clearance search and risk commentary

  • Quote

    Strategy on distinctiveness and evidence of use (if needed)

  • Pay

    Preparation and UKIPO e‑filing

  • File

    Office action responses (absolute/relative grounds)

  • Wait

    Opposition handling and settlements (cooling‑off, coexistence)

  • Response

    Recordals (assignments, name/address changes) and renewals

Clear, Simple Steps to Secure Your Trademark

In United Kingdom, a trademark is a legally recognized sign, symbol, word, or combination that distinguishes a company's goods or services from others.

Governed by the Trade Marks Act 1995, a registered trademark grants you exclusive rights to prevent others from using similar identifiers that may cause consumer confusion.

Safeguarding Your Trademark in

United Kingdom

With Brealant by Your Side

Trademark registration in United Kingdom provides significant advantages for your business in securing your brand identity.

Once registered, you, as the trademark owner, have exclusive rights concerning specific goods or services across the country.

This legal protection prevents competitors from using or imitating the trademark, helping build consumer trust and recognition.

What a Trademark Protects

A registered trademark in United Kingdom protects various elements that identify and differentiate a brand.

The protection extends to:

Words

Unique brand names, slogans, and taglines.

Logos

Distinctive graphical elements representing the brand.

Colors

Unique color combinations closely associated with the brand.

Slogans or non‑traditional marks

Distinct sounds (like jingles) and scents uniquely related to the brand.

By partnering with IP experts in United Kingdom, you can ensure your brand is safeguarded from infringement, maintain its integrity, and prevent customer confusion or loss of trust due to imitation.

Limitations

What Cannot Be Trademarked in

United Kingdom

Certain elements cannot be trademarked under United Kingdom law, including:

Generic terms

Common words or phrases that describe the product (e.g., "bread" for a bakery).

Descriptive words

Words that simply describe characteristics, quality, or location of goods (e.g., "fresh" or "United Kingdom").

Offensive or scandalous material

Marks that contain offensive language or imagery.

Misleading terms

Words that could mislead consumers about the nature or quality of the goods or services.

Common surnames

A surname in common use unless proven to have become distinctly associated with a specific brand.

The Trade Marks Office evaluates applications to ensure that these non-registrable elements are not part of the proposed trademark.

Timeline for Trademark Registration in

United Kingdom

Essentials & timelines

  • Application submission

    Publication triggers a 2‑month opposition period (extendable to 3 months with TM7A).

  • Examination

    Non‑use for 5 consecutive years risks revocation.

  • Acceptance and publication

    Clean, unopposed cases commonly register within ~4–6 months (6–12 months is typical).

  • Registration

    If no opposition arises, the trademark is officially registered, with the certificate issued shortly after the opposition period concludes.

On average, the process can take between seven (7) and nine (9) months, depending on any objections or delays.

Understanding Trademark Costs in

United Kingdom


Simplified with Brealant

Indicative official fees (UKIPO)

Official Filing Fees

Filing (online): £170 for 1 class; £50 for each additional class

Professional fees

Opposition: fee payable by the opponent (costs vary by grounds/forms).

Note: Official schedules change; we confirm current rates immediately before filing.

Continued Trademark Protection in 

United Kingdom


Supported by Brealant

Once registered, a trademark can be actively monitored and enforced to ensure others are not using similar marks that may confuse customers. Businesses often partner with IP professionals to monitor potential infringements, maintain renewal timelines, and manage licensing agreements.

By securing a trademark, a business protects its brand and strengthens its market position, building a reliable, recognizable presence in the United Kingdom market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a trademark mean in United Kingdom?

In United Kingdom, a trademark is a legally recognized sign, symbol, word, or phrase that associates and differentiates a company's goods or services from others.

What is the difference between copyright and trademark in United Kingdom?

Copyright protects original works like art and music, while a trademark protects brand identifiers like logos and names that distinguish products or services in the market.

How long is a trademark valid in United Kingdom?

A registered trademark in United Kingdom is valid for 10 years, with the option to renew perpetually in 10-year increments.

What can't be trademarked in United Kingdom?

United Kingdom trademark laws dictate that generic, purely descriptive, offensive, or misleading terms and common surnames cannot be trademarked.

How much does it cost to renew a trademark in United Kingdom?

The renewal fee for a trademark in United Kingdom is typically around $400 AUD per class if renewed online.

Blogs and Resources

Discover more insights and stay informed about the latest in intellectual property with Brealant's blog. From expert advice on trademark registration and patent protection to strategies for safeguarding your brand in a competitive market, our resources are here to empower your business. .

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