This matter first came to our attention after we were contacted by a former client of IPOA Limited whose trademark had missed its renewal deadline.

As a result of the missed renewal window, the registration had lapsed and the trademark had to be reapplied for, exposing the business to potential loss of rights and additional costs.

Following this enquiry, we conducted further research into IPOA Ltd and identified important information that trademark owners should be aware of.

If you would like assistance reviewing your trademark status or appointing a new representative, please complete the form below and one of our dedicated account managers will be in touch.

What We Know

Based on publicly available records:

• IPOA Limited (Company No. 12551363) was incorporated on 8 April 2020 (formerly TMOA Limited).
• The company’s status at Companies House is currently listed as Liquidation.
• A notice published in The London Gazette on 14 March 2024 convened a meeting of creditors to consider winding up the company.
• A resolution to wind up was considered on 25 March 2024.
• Joint Liquidators from Wilson Field Ltd were subsequently appointed.

At the time of the appointment of liquidators, the active director recorded at Companies House was:

• Paul Hayman (Director and Company Secretary)

Several other directors had resigned prior to liquidation.

Accounts and confirmation statements were also shown as overdue prior to liquidation.

Public records indicate that IPOA Limited was recorded as representative on a significant number of trademarks. We are encouraging affected trademark owners to independently review their records.

Timeline of Events

8 April 2020
Company incorporated as TMOA Limited.

5 May 2021
Company name changed to IPOA Limited.

14 March 2024
Notice published in The London Gazette convening a virtual meeting of creditors.

25 March 2024
Resolution to wind up the company considered.

Early April 2024
Joint Liquidators appointed, Wilson Field Ltd.

Current Status
Companies House lists IPOA Limited as in Liquidation.

Scale of Activity

Our research indicates that IPOA Limited was recorded as representative on over 3,000 trademark applications filed at the UK Intellectual Property Office between April 2020 and June 2024.

IPOA acted for a wide range of applicants, from small businesses through to well known national and international brands.

We are coming across an increasing number of trademarks linked to IPOA where registrations are showing as dead. However, this does not mean they have not been reapplied for.

This does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing and may reflect natural portfolio turnover.

Nonetheless, the volume is sufficient to justify careful review by affected trademark owners, particularly those without in house legal teams monitoring deadlines independently.

What This Means for Clients of IPOA Ltd

Unless IPOA formally transferred its client portfolio to another authorised firm, clients both in the UK and overseas may not be receiving important correspondence relating to their trademarks.

This could include:

• Trademark renewal reminders and expiry deadlines
• Cancellation actions brought by third parties
• Oppositions to pending applications
• Similar marks published in trademark journals
• Examination objections
• Requests for evidence of use
• International filing deadlines

Many official notices are sent directly to the recorded representative. If that representative is no longer operational, correspondence may not reach the trademark owner.

Failure to respond within statutory deadlines can result in loss of trademark protection and additional cost to restore or refile.

What We Are Doing to Help

We are encouraging trademark owners who previously appointed IPOA Ltd to review their UKIPO records and confirm who is currently listed as their representative.

Where requested, we can:

• Conduct a review of your trademark status
• Confirm renewal dates
• Arrange transfer of representation
• Provide ongoing monitoring and portfolio management
• Assist with any urgent matters

Our objective is straightforward: to ensure that business owners do not unknowingly lose valuable intellectual property rights during periods of administrative disruption.

If IPOA Ltd Acted for You

If IPOA Ltd acted as your representative and you are unsure who is currently managing your trademarks, we recommend conducting an immediate review.

You are welcome to contact us for a no obligation assessment of your trademark position.

If you would like assistance reviewing your trademark status or appointing a new representative, please complete the form below and one of our dedicated account managers will be in touch.