Trade Mark Infringement Solicitors
If you’ve discovered a competitor using a name, logo, slogan or branding that’s identical or confusingly similar to your registered trade mark, you may be dealing with trade mark infringement. Left unchecked, infringement can erode customer trust, damage your reputation and divert sales away from your business.
At Panoramix IP, our trade mark infringement solicitors help brand owners take fast, commercially sensible action. We investigate the facts, assess your legal options, and pursue the approach most likely to stop the misuse while protecting your time, budget and business relationships.
You may need advice if:
– A competitor is using a similar brand name, logo or packaging
– Customers are confusing their products/services with yours
– A seller is listing counterfeit goods online using your brand
– A domain name or social media handle is impersonating your business
– A former distributor, employee or partner continues using your mark without permission
What we do (our infringement process)
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Initial assessment
We review your trade mark registration(s), the goods/services covered, and the suspected infringing use to confirm whether infringement is likely. -
Evidence gathering
We help you collect and preserve evidence (screenshots, listings, invoices, marketing materials and timelines) so your position is properly supported. -
Strategy and risk advice
We advise on the strength of your claim, likely outcomes, costs, timescales and the best route to resolution. -
Cease and desist / settlement negotiations
Where appropriate, we send a robust cease and desist letter and negotiate undertakings, rebrands, delisting of online listings, and settlement terms. -
Escalation where needed
If informal resolution isn’t possible, we can pursue formal action through the relevant forum (depending on the facts and jurisdiction), and guide you through each step.
Defending against trade mark infringement claims
Receiving an allegation of trade mark infringement can be a daunting experience for any business owner. Whether you have been served with a formal Cease and Desist letter or are facing active litigation, the stakes are high. A successful infringement claim can lead to costly injunctions, the forced rebranding of your business, and significant financial damages.
At Panoramix IP, we specialise in robust trade mark defence strategies. We understand that not every allegation is valid, and many are used as aggressive tactics to stifle competition. Our expert legal team is here to protect your commercial interests, evaluate the strength of the claims against you, and provide a clear path forward to safeguard your brand’s future.
We provide comprehensive services tailored to the specific nature of the allegations you are facing:
– Cease and Desist Response: We meticulously analyze the claimant’s trade mark rights and your own usage to draft a powerful response. Often, a well-reasoned legal rebuttal can stop a dispute before it reaches the courtroom.
– Infringement Analysis & Risk Assessment: We evaluate the “likelihood of confusion,” the similarity of marks, and the relatedness of goods or services to determine the actual level of legal risk.
– Invalidity & Revocation Actions: If the claimant’s trade mark should never have been registered—or has not been used properly—we can initiate counter-proceedings to cancel their mark, effectively neutralizing the threat.
– Negotiation and Settlement: Many disputes are best resolved through commercial settlements. We negotiate coexistence agreements and phase-out periods that allow you to continue operating without the cloud of litigation.
– Litigation Defence: If a resolution cannot be reached, we work with experienced IP litigators to defend your position in the courts, globally
Client Testimonials
FAQs
What counts as trade mark infringement in the UK?
Broadly, infringement is using a sign identical or confusingly similar to a registered trade mark, without permission, for the same or similar goods or services — in a way likely to confuse consumers or take unfair advantage of the brand. Well-known marks get wider protection against dilution. If you think someone is using your mark, we can assess whether it crosses the line into infringement.
What should I do if someone is using my trade mark?
Gather evidence first – screenshots, listings, dates – and take advice before making contact, because an unjustified threat can itself give rise to a claim against you. Most cases start with a well-judged cease-and-desist letter, which often resolves things, and escalate to proceedings only if needed. Act promptly; delay can weaken your position.
What can I claim if my trade mark is infringed?
Courts can grant an injunction to stop the infringement, award damages for your losses or an account of the infringer’s profits, and order infringing goods to be delivered up or destroyed. In serious counterfeiting cases criminal penalties can apply. Often a negotiated settlement or licence is the most commercial outcome — we advise on the route that best fits your goals.
I've received a trade mark infringement letter — what should I do?
Don’t ignore it, but don’t panic or admit anything either. These letters sometimes overstate the sender’s rights. Get in touch with our specialists: we’ll assess whether the claim is valid, whether you have a defence, and how to respond — from robust pushback to a negotiated resolution — so you protect your position without escalating unnecessarily.
Can I enforce an unregistered brand name?
Possibly, through the law of passing off, but it’s harder and more evidence-heavy than enforcing a registration — you must show goodwill, misrepresentation and damage. It’s a strong reason to register your key marks. If you haven’t, we can still advise on your options and, in most cases, recommend registering as you enforce.
Our Case Studies
Case Study: Wow Hydrate
Case Study: Escape Fitness
Case Study: British American Tobacco
Case Study: Cambridge Mechatronics
Case Study: Lincoln City Football Club
Case Study: The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
