Knowledge Hub · Updated 13 October 2026
Trademark Knowledge Hub
Free, plain-English help with UK trademarks, from the team that has been registering and protecting brands for UK businesses since 2008.
Everything we publish is here in one place: step-by-step guides, answers to the questions business owners ask us most, trademark news, real client stories, scam warnings and short videos. Search for your question, filter by topic, or start with what other readers are looking at this week. If you can’t find what you need, ask us and a specialist will reply within one working day.
News11 Oct 2026Fenrick & Stone Impersonation: The Trademark Notice It Didn’t Send
A trademark notice signed in Fenrick & Stone's name gave our client 72 hours. The firm says it didn't send it, and it matches the RSK Legal letter exactly.
Trademark Scams
Received a suspicious trademark letter or email? Search our directory of confirmed trademark scam senders, see real examples, and check yours free.
About The Trademark Helpline
Meet the team behind The Trademark Helpline: UKIPO-registered trademark specialists in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, protecting UK brands since 2008.
Article30 Jun 2021Bass, the UK’s oldest trademark
The story behind the UK's oldest trademark, Bass beer.
News23 Sep 2026RSK Legal Trademark Notice: What the Registers Show
A client forwarded a formal trademark notice from RSK Legal with a 72-hour deadline. The website that sent it was thirteen days old. Every check, shown.
UK Trademark
Our Trademark Specialist handles your Trademark Application from search to registration. Whether its Brand Name Registration or logo, or tagline.
Free Trademark Search
Run a free trademark name search to check if your brand is available. Instant trademark name lookup across the UK IPO register. Find conflicts before you apply.
Trademark Registration and Renewal Services
Protect your brand with expert trademark registration and renewal services. Secure legal protection and peace of mind for your business.
Supporting Our Partners
Partner with The Trademark Helpline to deliver UK and international trademark services. Flexible partnership models for agencies, solicitors, designers and consultants.
Trademark Opposition
Need to file a trademark opposition or defend your application against one? Expert UK support to protect your brand throughout the opposition process.
Temmy Portal
Temmy Portal: rendered by the TMH Class Pages plugin (assets/portal/temmy-portal-body.html). Edit the copy there, not here.
Article27 Aug 2026What Happens to a Trademark in Administration?
What happens to a trademark in administration? Who owns it, how administrators sell brands, what buyers really get and why recording the transfer matters.
Trademark Cost Calculator
Free tool · No sign up What will your trademark actually cost? Work out the real cost of protecting your brand, in the UK…
FAQ24 Jul 2026How Do I Check If a Name Is Trademarked?
How to check if a name is trademarked: search the UK register and each country you trade in, look for similar names, check your logo and unregistered use.
News10 Jul 2026When Your Competitor Copies Your Logo: The Anthropic v Abnormal AI Case
What the Anthropic v Abnormal AI case teaches about logo trademark infringement, brand protection and why registering your trademark early matters.
International Trademark Registration
Our specialists manage your Global Trademark Registration across multiple countries, providing expert advice and clear guidance on International Trademark Cost.
Social Media Takedowns Services
Need a social media takedown service? We remove fake accounts, impersonation, and trademark infringement across all major platforms. Expert support, fast results.
News4 Nov 2024Trademark Owner does the right thing! The story of ‘Pho’
One thing we always advocate for is mediation over legal action, trying to reach a compromise without going to court usually saves time and…
Trademark Cancellations
Need to cancel a trademark or facing a third-party cancellation? We handle voluntary removals and defend against cancellation actions on the UK register.
Our Trademark Services
Frequently asked questionsWhat is a Right Start trademark application?Right Start is a UK trademark application in two stages. You see the official examiner's feedback…
The Trademark Helpline Reviews
Read The Trademark Helpline reviews: independent ratings, written reviews from UK businesses and client stories. UKIPO registered since 2008.
Article28 Sep 2026Are Trademarks a Metaphor for Life?
Can a trademark stop someone using your brand? Not physically, any more than a speed limit stops speeding. Why registration still deters, and how it fits in.
Trademark Renewal in the UK
UK trademarks last 10 years. Renew up to 6 months before expiry, or 6 months late with a £60 fee. Official fees, deadlines and how we can help.
Goods and Services Classes
Your trademark only protects the goods and services you claimed. Four free tools to find your classes and the exact wording the UK IPO has already accepted.
News25 Aug 2026Why Is OpenAI’s ChatGPT Trademark Being Opposed in Australia?
OpenAI's ChatGPT trademark has been opposed in Australia by the owner of the GPT property group. How oppositions work there and what it means for UK brands.
Article6 Aug 2026What Is a TM7A Notice of Threatened Opposition?
A TM7A notice of threatened opposition gives someone an extra month to oppose your UK trademark. What it means and the opposition timeline, stage by stage.
Article3 Jul 2026Does Your Trademark Cover AI Now Your Business Uses It?
Does your trademark cover AI now your business uses it? Using AI vs selling AI, which classes cover AI software and services, and a simple check to run.
News24 Jun 2026Scam Warning: Trademark Dept, Have You Received A UK Trademark Registration Email?
Have you received a UK trademark registration email from Trademark Dept? Read our warning about urgent trademark emails, UKIPO filing claims, dollar pricing and comm…
Article29 May 2026What Can You Do If the IPO Objects to Your Trademark?
Had a trademark objection from the IPO? What it means, your two-month deadline, the options for responding and what happens at an ex parte hearing.
News28 Apr 2026Scam Warning – Distinction Law, have you received a letter?
Learn how to spot a trademark infringement scam, trademark renewal scam, or patent & trademark office scam. Real UK examples of trademark scam letters and how to pro…
Trademark Representation and Protection
Need to protect your trademark from scams, infringement, and missed deadlines? Our trademark representation service handles monitoring, renewals, and disputes on you…
Article28 Oct 2025How to Spot Trademark Scams Before They Cost You
Update — August 2026: Companies House and the IPO have issued a joint warning, and the scam has widened Since this article was published,…
Design Registration and Renewal Services
Protect how your product looks with UK design registration. Covers shapes, patterns, and packaging. Easy renewal every 5 years. Not sure about trademarking a design?…
3 Feb 2025A Stress-Free Experience with The Trademark Helpline: Isabel’s Free From Success Story
Discover Isabel's stress-free trademark registration success with The Trademark Helpline. Experience expert guidance, seamless communication, and top-notch trademark…
Trademark Clearance Audit Services
Safeguard your brand with trademark clearance audit services starting at £49+VAT. Analyse trademarks, social media, domains, and business registers.
Trademark Cease and Desist Services
Received a trademark cease and desist letter, or need to send one? We draft, send, and respond to cease and desist notices to protect your brand and resolve disputes.
A Guide to European Community Trademarks
Learn how European Community Trademarks (now EU Trademarks) work, their benefits, and how to register your brand across the EU with this practical guide.
Trademark Monitoring & Alert Services
Monitor your trademark across UK, EU, and international registers. Get alerts when similar marks are filed so you can act fast and protect your brand.
News4 Jul 2024The Importance of Trademark Protection – Lessons from Nike vs BAPE
Safeguard your fashion brand with effective trademark protection, inspired by the Nike vs. BAPE case. Ensure continuous enforcement, quality control, and strategic s…
FAQ10 Oct 2026Is my business name too similar to one that already exists, could I be infringing?
Could your business name infringe an existing brand? How similarity is judged, why a clear Companies House check is not enough, and how to check first.
Trademark FAQs
Plain answers to the questions UK businesses ask most about trademarks: costs, classes, ownership, disputes and scams. Search your name free.
Article24 Aug 2026Why Do Some Brands Have Different Names in Different Countries?
Why do some brands have different names in different countries? Hungry Jack's, Lynx and Walkers explained, and how to check your name before you expand.
News22 Jul 2026Scam Warning: MA & Co Law, Have You Received a “Legal Notice on Business Name and Domain Rights Conflict”?
A trademark warning email from "MA & Co Law" gives you 48 hours to respond. Here is what we found when we checked the firm, the solicitor and the website.
News25 Jun 2026Scam Warning: Alethea Law Trademark Website, Possible Impersonation Scam?
A client has recently brought another trademark related website to our attention. This one is slightly different from some of the other examples we…
News15 Jun 2026Scam Warning: Prestige Marks and Trademark Axis, Have You Received An Email?
Over the years, we have seen plenty of trademark scams. Some arrive by post. Some arrive by email. Some look like invoices. Others look…
News12 Jun 2026Can You Use AI-Generated Evidence in a Trademark Dispute?
Can you use AI-generated evidence in a trademark dispute? What happened in our IPO opposition case, the ChatGPT decisions, and how to prepare real evidence.
News18 May 2026Scam Warning: Trademarks Filers and Trademark Genius
One of our clients has received a new trademark scam email from a business calling itself Trademarks Filers. The email claimed that another organisation…
Trademark Guides
Download any of our Free Trademark Guides Free Trademark Guide Download Guide Trademarks for Accountants Download Guide Trademarks for Brand Agencies Download Guide…
Browse by topic
Trademark advice by topic
Check and plan
Search the register, choose the right classes and check a name before you file.
See all guides →Manage and protect
Monitoring, renewals and representation once your trademark is registered.
See all guides →Trademark disputes
Oppositions, cancellations, cease and desist letters and online takedowns.
See all guides →The people behind the answers
Our authors
Jonathan PatonFounder & CEOBrand protection strategy for UK businesses since 2008.
Matthew GriffithsCommercial DirectorClient work and our UK and international partnerships.
Alex PughBrand Protection ConsultantNew clients, international applications and hearings.
Laura SpencerParalegalDrafting, filing and progressing applications.
Saad AshrafMarketing ManagerMarketing and the trademark data behind our guides.
