Trade Mark Registration
Obtaining a registered trade mark is crucial to protecting your brand’s identity. At Panoramix IP, we specialise in guiding you through each stage, from initial checks to final registration, whether in the UK, EU, US or beyond.
Our experts handle clearance searches, prepare and file applications, and deliver tailored advice that fits your brand’s needs. With our support, you gain confidence and a solid legal foundation to help your business grow.
Registering a trade mark is essential for protecting your brand’s unique identity and long-term success. Whether you’re considering registering a trade mark for the first time or a law firm seeking a specialist in direct US trade mark filing, we guide you through every stage, ensuring a smooth and secure process.
We begin by researching existing marks to spot potential conflicts, helping you avoid costly disputes. Once the path is clear, we create a tailored filing strategy that fits your business goals and budget.
Our team drafts and files your application with the relevant authorities, whether you need protection in the UK, EU, US or further afield. Throughout the process, we keep you updated on progress and respond quickly to any official correspondence. Our supportive approach ensures you’re always informed about what’s next or how to handle challenges swiftly and effectively to minimise disruption to your business.
Should objections or oppositions arise, our expert solicitors and patent attorneys will address them, always aiming to safeguard your interests. We also advise on brand strategy, ensuring your trade marks remain strong and recognisable in an often crowded marketplace.
Our holistic view of the trade mark landscape helps you make informed decisions for lasting success. After your trade mark appears on the register, we continue to support you by keeping an eye out for unauthorised use. This ongoing monitoring allows you to focus on growing your business while we defend your rights. If necessary, we take enforcement steps to protect your trade mark, ensuring its continued value.
By seeking professional guidance at an early stage, you minimise the risk of setbacks and strengthen your position in the market. A successful trade mark application can enhance your business image, attract investors and build consumer trust. With our client-focused, efficient approach, you can register your trade mark with confidence and peace of mind.
Our blend of legal expertise and friendly support helps your brand shine, from initial clearance to final registration. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients, working together to expand and protect your intellectual property portfolio as your IP partner.
Testimonials
FAQs
How much does it cost to register a trade mark in the UK?
The cost to register a trade mark online in the UK starts at £170 for one class of goods or services. If you need to include additional classes to cover your business’s activities under the trade mark, each extra class costs £50. Submitting your application by post costs slightly more, starting at £200 for the first class. Lawyer’s fees may also be payable for preparing and filing your application and may result in cost savings in the long run, in helping to prepare your application correctly, so that it has the best prospects of success.
For detailed guidance on trade mark registration fees and a full breakdown of costs, visit our Trade Mark Registration page or contact us today.
How long does a trade mark registration last in the UK?
In the UK, a trade mark registration lasts for ten years from the date of registration. You can renew your trade mark indefinitely every ten years, provided that you continue to use and protect your brand. Renewal can be done six months before the expiry date or within a grace period of six months afterwards, although late renewals incur extra fees.
To manage or renew your trade mark easily, or speak with one of our specialist trade mark lawyers, visit our Trade Marks page or contact us.
Should I trade mark my logo or business name in the UK?
We highly recommend registering a trade mark for your logo or business name in the UK. Registering your trade mark gives you and your business exclusive rights and legal protection against unauthorised use from anyone looking to exploit or profit from your branding through accidental or intentional use. This safeguards your brand identity and reputation from those looking to profit from your rights or negatively impact your brand through association. We assist in registering logos, names, or even slogans separately or in combination, and we offer strategic direction for the best course of cost-effective legal protection for your brand.
Explore your options for protecting your brand on our Brand Protection page or by contacting us today.
When should I use the symbols ™ and ® in the UK?
You can use the ™ symbol to show that you are using your unregistered trade mark in commerce and own the goodwill that is associated with that mark. However, the ® symbol is strictly reserved for marks that are officially registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), showing others your exclusive rights to that mark. This acts as a signifier to would-be infringers that your brand name, logo and/or slogan are all protected and helps to prevent copying. You should be careful not to use the registered trade mark symbol ® before your mark is registered, as this may constitute a criminal offence. Should you become aware of any potential infringement, our expert lawyers can advise on the best course of action for your brand.
Learn more about correctly using trade mark symbols on our Trade Marks guidance page or contact one of our in-house trade mark solicitors today.
What cannot be trade marked in the UK?
In the UK, certain words and symbols cannot be registered as trade marks. This includes offensive or misleading marks, purely descriptive terms (like “soft” for pillows), generic words (like “bread”), geographical names (such as “London”), common surnames, and official symbols or flags. This is because it would not be fair to grant a monopoly in such widely used terms to just one business. Trade marks that are deemed to be offensive or contrary to public policy may also be refused registration.
Visit our Trade Marks page to learn more about trademark eligibility and restrictions, visit our blog, or attend one of our FREE 45-minute IP clinics. For more information, call us today.
What's the difference between copyright and a trade mark?
Copyright automatically protects original creative works like books, music and art from the moment they’re created. In contrast, a trade mark protects brand identifiers such as logos, distinctive slogans, and names. If you’re looking for the right kind of protection for your content or your brand, our specialist trade mark and copyright lawyers can help.
Understand which type of intellectual property suits your business needs at our Copyright and Trade Marks information page, or contact us today.
Can I trade mark a name that is already in use but not registered?
Potentially yes, but it depends on several factors, including whether the other business that is using the mark started to do so before you did and whether they offer similar or competing goods or services to your business. It’s advisable to conduct a thorough clearance search before starting to use or applying to register a trade mark. We offer thorough clearance searches for your proposed trade mark as part of our trade mark registration service.
For more information or to conduct a clearance search with personalised advice, see our Trade Mark Registration page, or speak with one of our trade mark lawyers today.
What is 'proof of use' for a trade mark in the UK?
Proof of use involves demonstrating that your trade mark has been genuinely used in the UK market for the registered goods or services. Typically, acceptable evidence of use in commerce includes invoices, advertising, packaging and marketing materials that clearly show the trade mark being actively used commercially. Such evidence of use may be required if your trade mark registration is over five years old and it is challenged by a third party or if you wish to rely on it to challenge a third party’s mark.
Get professional help gathering suitable evidence by speaking with one of our specialist trade mark solicitors today, or visit our Trade Marks page.
Can common words be trade marked in the UK?
Common words can sometimes be trade marked, but only if they’ve gained a distinctive secondary meaning linked to your business. For instance, “Apple” is a common word but distinctive as a technology brand. So it depends on the nature of the goods and services that will be covered by the trade mark. If these are unrelated to the common word, then you may be able to register that word as a trade mark. However, if the word is too common and lacking in distinctiveness in general or if it may have descriptive connotations, in relation to your goods or services, you may need to file extensive evidence of longstanding use of the mark in business before it is accepted for registration.
Find out how to build a strong, distinctive trade mark on our Trade Marks page or speak with one of our trade mark solicitors today.
Do I need a solicitor to register a trade mark in the UK?
You are not required to use a solicitor to register a trade mark in the UK. However, using a trade mark professional significantly increases your chance of successful registration and helps avoid costly mistakes, especially for complex or multi-class registrations. We often receive enquiries from individuals who have self-registered when their application faces rejection and they need expert guidance to ensure it is accepted. There are many pitfalls that can result in a registration application being refused and the applicant losing the application fee or worse still, incurring additional costs if an opposition is received from a third party. Time is a critical factor when protecting your brand assets, to dissuade competitors from adopting your logos, slogans or brand names. When infringement occurs, you also want to make sure you have guidance from a legal expert to advise on how best to face it, whether that be through mediation, negotiation or litigation.
Ensure your registration goes smoothly by contacting our specialists via our Trade Mark Registration page or speaking with one of our specialist trade mark solicitors.
