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.
Article30 Jun 2021Bass, the UK’s oldest trademark
The story behind the UK's oldest trademark, Bass beer.
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.
Article28 Aug 2026The Name Was Free at Companies House. Does That Mean I Can Use It?
A Companies House check only confirms no other company holds that exact name. It does not check the trademark register. How to find out if a name is really free.
Article17 Aug 2026Can Someone Steal My Business Name?
Yes, someone can register your business name as a trademark even if you have traded for years. Here is how first-to-file works in the UK and how to protect your name.
Article28 Jul 2026Should You Trademark a Product Name as Well as Your Business Name?
Should you trademark a product name as well as your business name? What Coca-Cola's SPRICY filing shows, which names to protect and when to file in the UK.
Article21 Jul 2026Can You Trademark a Descriptive Name for Your Business?
Can you trademark a descriptive name? Why the IPO objects, how We Buy Any Car was registered, and three routes to protecting a name that says what you sell.
Article11 May 2026Care of Address for Trademarks: It Is Not Just Mail Forwarding
When you file a trademark, your application details will become publicly available on official trademark registers. Depending on who is applying, this will include…
Article11 Jun 2025Acquired Distinctiveness, How Can It Help You Register a Trademark?
What do American Airlines, British Airways, Holiday Inn & Vision Express all have in common? They are all descriptive names and all have trademarks.…
Article5 Jun 2025Hints, Tips and Tales #13: When a Design Trademark Is Just as Powerful as a Patent
My neighbour reminded me of something the other day that, if I’m honest, I’d completely forgotten. That moment when a design trademark can be…
Article16 Dec 2024Milk, It’s Not a Trademark – And Would You Want It to Be?
If someone had trademarked the term “Milky Taste” 20 years ago, they’d be creaming it now (excuse the pun)! And this is why… A…
Article29 Nov 2024How Rachel Vigers and her Consultancy Rock.Partners are helping brands of all shapes and sizes realise their business goals
The brainchild of seasoned business & brand strategist, Rachel Vigers, Rock.Partners is a consultancy focused on core foundations - aka Direction, Connection, Impact &…
Article28 Aug 2024What Protection Does a Name on Companies House Provide?
As a Trademark Registrar who has been in business since 2009 it still amazes us how many times, we encounter seasoned business owners with…
Article28 Aug 2024Who are, the Intellectual Property Office?
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the official government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights in the United Kingdom. As an executive agency…
Article5 Jun 2024A 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…
Article24 May 2024Client Success Story: How We Protected Westtek’s Brand
Discover how our trademark services helped Westtek, a leader in cybersecurity and IT support, secure their brand through proactive trademark registration, monitoring…
Article16 Oct 202350 reasons to trademark a business
Fifty reasons why trademarks are essential for business.
Article10 Sep 20215 celebrities and their trademark antics
5 celebrities and their trademark antics. Discover the unforgettable antics of five celebrities that have become their trademarks.
Article28 Jul 2021The Two Horse Brand
The story behind the Levi's trademark.
Article21 Jun 20215 Interesting Trademarks
These days you can trademark just about anything, from colours to names, sounds or images. Take a look at these five quirky trademarks from…
Article19 Apr 2016Top 5 Trademark Myths
There seems to be an awful lot of confusion around Trademarks and what does and doesn’t constitute legal ownership of a name, logo, or…
Article7 Apr 2016What is a Trade Mark?
Trademarks exist to distinguish the goods and services of one trader from the goods and services of another. Simply put, a trademark is how…
Article23 Jul 2026Should You Check a Name Can Be Trademarked Before You Rebrand?
Why a trademark check before a rebrand saves money: how to test whether a new name or logo can be registered, and what to do before the designer starts.
Article16 Jul 2026How Should You Word a Trademark Specification?
How to word a trademark specification: clear goods and services terms, the IPO's approved wording, overbroad claims after SkyKick, and the steps to file.
Article29 Jun 2026Slogan Trademarks: Can You Trademark a Slogan or Tagline?
Can you trademark a slogan in the UK? Yes, if it is distinctive. How the IPO judges a slogan trademark, the Audi and Nestlé cases, and the steps and timings.
Article8 Jun 2026Should You Trademark a Brand That Started on Social Media?
Should you trademark a brand that started on social media? Why a handle is not a trademark, the marketing risk of an unowned name, and practical steps to take.
Article9 Apr 2026It May Not be a Trademark that You Need!
When first meeting potential clients a common situation is whether what they need is a Trademark or a Patent. The two are similar in…
Article8 Jul 2024TikTok Applies for ‘Genie’ Trademark in US for AI Chatbot 🤖
Discover how TikTok's new AI chatbot, Genie, can drive engagement and sales for UK businesses. Learn to leverage AI and stay ahead in the market.
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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.
