A care provider’s name carries the trust that families place in it. Avant Healthcare Services wanted that name protected properly.

In spring 2014, Michael Horgan, a Non Executive Director of the company, asked The Trademark Helpline to help. We started with a search of the register, then prepared the application.

Covering the whole care service

In May 2014 we filed a UK application for the Avant Complete Life Care Services logo in three classes:

• Class 41: training, coaching and education in care, including support for elderly people
• Class 43: residential and retirement home services
• Class 44: nursing care, home healthcare and healthcare advice

The IPO examined the application and published it on 18 July 2014.

A threatened opposition

Within days of publication, another organisation filed a notice of threatened opposition. A notice like this doesn’t start a dispute on its own, but it gives the other side an extra month to decide whether to oppose.

We explained to Michael what the notice meant, when costs would start if a formal opposition followed, and the choices open to him. He decided to talk to the other organisation directly, while we kept an eye on the IPO record and kept him up to date.

No opposition was filed. The mark was registered on 31 October 2014.

Adding monitoring

Once the registration came through, Michael agreed straight away to add our trademark monitoring service, which watches for new filings that come too close to a registered name.

What Michael said

“A professional highly efficient service, with attention to detail, achieving a successful registration.”

Michael Horgan, Non Executive Director, Avant Healthcare Services

Update, December 2023: renewed to 2034

A UK trademark lasts ten years and then needs renewing. In December 2023 we renewed the registration for Avant Healthcare Services, so it now runs to May 2034.

Has someone threatened to oppose your application?

A notice of threatened opposition can be worrying, but it isn’t the end of the road. Often a conversation is enough. We can explain your options and help you respond: see trademark oppositions. If you’re just starting out, begin with a UK trademark registration that covers everything your business does.

Book a free 15-minute call to talk it through.