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…
News31 Mar 2026OMPS Trademark Scam Warning – Have you received a Trademark publication letter?
Learn how the OMPS trademark letter scam targets UK businesses with fake trademark publication invoices and misleading UKIPO-style correspondence. Discover the warni…
Article27 Jan 2026UK Trademark vs EU and International Trademarks: Understanding the Differences and Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Understand the differences between UK, EU and international trademarks, and learn how to avoid costly filing mistakes that leave your brand unprotected.
News22 Jul 2025VPS Trademark Scam Warning: Have you received a VPS trademark publication letter?
Learn how the VPS, WPS and TPS trademark letter scam targets UK businesses with fake trademark publication invoices using real UKIPO trademark details. Discover the…
News11 Jun 2025Trademarking Shapes? – Toblerone’s Triangular Triumph: How a Chocolate Shape Made Trademark History
Let’s be honest, when you think of Toblerone, you aren’t thinking about nougat, you probably are thinking about chocolate BUT you are definitely thinking…
3 Feb 2025Case Study – Grandma’s Kitchen
The Trademark Helpline client case study on Bolton based new business Grandma's Kitchen.
3 Feb 2025How can you make a trademark Unique? The story behind I Love Manchester’s Trademark
If you want a Lesson in trademark innovation and protection, the look no further than I Love Manchester, a company whose brand is the…
News16 Jan 2025EUIPA Trademark Scam: Have You Received a Letter from the “European Intellectual Property Agency”?
Received a letter from EUIPA? Learn how to spot this EU trademark scam, protect your brand, and what to do if you’ve already paid.
Ways to work with us
Discover flexible ways to work with our trademark experts. Choose support that fits your business—advice, filing, or full brand protection services.
Our Panel of Regulated Solicitors & Trademark Attorneys
Discover our panel of regulated solicitors and trademark attorneys providing expert advice on trademark registration and protection. Trusted, professional support ta…
Website Takedown Services
Expert website takedown services to remove counterfeit sites, trademark infringement, and unauthorised use of your brand. We handle the entire takedown process for you.
News22 Oct 2024Erling Haaland’s Trademark Journey
Goals and Red Cards Erling Haaland is a name inextricably linked with success and, occasionally, controversy. As one of the world's most prolific goal…
News26 Sep 2024Google Embroiled in Trademark Lawsuit Over ‘Gemini’ AI Branding
Even ‘Internet Giants’ like Google are not immune to trademark controversies! We often talk about how Google is one of the biggest advocates for…
Article28 Aug 2024What is Trademark Trolling?
Trademark trolling refers to the practice where individuals or entities exploit the trademark system by registering trademarks, often on common or generic terms, with…
Article28 Aug 2024Paul Dell vs Dell Inc: A Trademark Dispute
The trademark dispute between Dell Inc., the global technology giant, and Paul Dell, a British entrepreneur, centres around the use of the "Dell" name.…
News4 Jun 2024Nike Triumphs in Legal Battle Over Stripes in Germany
Discover the latest development in the Nike vs. Adidas trademark battle. A German court has partially overturned its ban, allowing Nike to feature three stripes on m…
Article23 May 2024Urgent Notice for Clients of IPOA Ltd
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.
News23 Aug 2021Manchester United to be renamed on Football Manager
Manchester United will be renamed on Football Manager games from FM22 onwards, following a trademark dispute with games giant Sega.
News27 Apr 2021McGregor looses fight to trademark his name for clothing line.
Connor McGregor news story by the trademark helpline. Conor McGregor has failed in a legal fight with a clothing firm over sportswear that bears his name.
What does a trademark monitoring report check?
A monitoring report looks across the places a conflicting brand is likely to appear. It covers new trademark applications and existing registrations at the Intellect…
How often is trademark monitoring carried out?
We carry out monitoring reports monthly, so there is always an opportunity to act early. That differs from a clearance audit, which is a one-off check before filing.…
Why does spotting trademark infringement early make a difference?
Most passing off is inadvertent rather than malicious, so the earlier a problem is found, the quicker and easier it usually is to resolve. Early notice of a conflict…
When was The Trademark Helpline founded, and by whom?
Jonathan Paton formed The Trademark Helpline in 2008. He was running a web marketing business at the time and saw small business clients being pressured by larger or…
Is The Trademark Helpline a firm of solicitors or trademark attorneys?
No. We are a UKIPO-registered trademark representative based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with 4,176 UK trademark registrations behind us. We handle searches,…
How does The Trademark Helpline approach protecting a brand?
We work in three stages: search, register, protect. Before anything is filed we check the trademark register, Companies House, domains, social media and marketplaces…
Where can I read independent reviews of The Trademark Helpline?
Our ratings are collected by independent review sites, including Trustist and Google, and each one links to its source so you can read the reviews for yourself. Acro…
What do clients say about trademark monitoring?
Several clients mention monitoring specifically. Rame Consulting said the service identified a trademark infringement within its first month, which led to prompt act…
What can other businesses learn from these client stories?
The stories cover a wide range of brands, from food and fitness to consultancy, timber and textiles, and from first UK applications to EU trademarks and renewals. Re…
What is trademark invalidation?
Invalidation is the legal procedure for challenging a trademark that the UK IPO or the EUIPO has already registered, where it looks like, sounds like or is spelled l…
What is the difference between a trademark opposition and an invalidation?
The difference is timing. An opposition challenges a trademark during its application stage, aiming to stop it being registered at all, which is why early detection…
What grounds can be used to invalidate a trademark?
The most common grounds are earlier rights, lack of distinctiveness and bad faith. Earlier rights apply where you own a prior trademark or were using a similar mark…
Which form is used to invalidate a UK trademark?
A UK invalidation is filed with the UK IPO on Form TM26(I). For an EU trademark, the equivalent is an Application for a Declaration of Invalidity at the EUIPO. We he…
On what grounds can a UK trademark be cancelled?
The most common ground is non-use: a trademark that has not been used for a continuous period of five years can be challenged and cancelled. A registration can also…
What is the difference between trademark cancellation and invalidation?
Cancellation generally applies to a trademark that was validly registered but should now be removed, for example because of non-use or a voluntary request. Invalidat…
How do I defend my trademark against a non-use cancellation?
The burden of proof sits with the owner, so the key is evidence that the trademark has been used within the past five years, or a valid reason for the lack of use. W…
Which form is used to cancel a UK trademark for non-use?
A non-use cancellation at the UK Intellectual Property Office is filed on Form TM26(N). For an EU trademark, the equivalent is an Application for Cancellation at the…
FAQ12 Oct 2026Someone is already using my business name, what can I do?
Do not contact or threaten the other business until the position has been properly assessed. Preserve evidence of what it is doing, including website pages, social m…
FAQ12 Oct 2026I’ve received a cease and desist letter, what do I do now?
Do not ignore the letter, do not panic and do not respond until the claim has been properly assessed. We have seen genuine deadlines missed because a letter was dism…
FAQ12 Oct 2026Is my company name automatically protected once it’s registered at Companies House?
No. Registering a company name at Companies House does not register it as a trademark or automatically give you exclusive rights to use it as a brand. A limited comp…
Could someone really register my business name and stop me using it?
Yes. The UK works on a first-to-file basis. If someone registers your name as a trademark before you do, they can hold the rights, even if you’ve traded under it for…
FAQ12 Oct 2026What actually happens if I never trademark my brand?
Possibly nothing happens immediately. The problem is that the need for trademark protection often becomes apparent only after the business has built something valuab…
FAQ12 Oct 2026Is it worth paying to trademark, or am I fine as I am?
Not every name needs to be registered as a trademark. The important question is what would happen to your business if you could no longer use the brand, or if somebo…
How much does it cost to register a trademark in the UK?
The UK IPO's official fee starts at £205 to register one class for ten years' protection, and rises with each additional class. That official fee is the cost of regi…
Can’t I just do it myself at the IPO?
You can file directly. But applications filed without professional input are almost twice as likely to be rejected at examination, usually over class selection or an…
Can’t I just copyright my business name instead?
No, and plenty of websites get this wrong. Copyright protects creative works like writing, music or artwork. It does not protect a name. To protect what your busines…
What are trademark classes, and which ones do I need?
Protection is divided into classes: defined groups of goods and services. You’re protected only in the classes you register, and they can’t be added later, so gettin…
FAQ12 Oct 2026When should I trademark, before or after I launch? Is it ever too late?
Not every business name needs to be registered as a trademark. If your brand, including your name, logo or tagline, is unique and important to your plans, you should…
How long does registration take, and am I exposed while I wait?
In a straightforward case, around four months from filing, assuming no examiner objection and no third-party opposition. Importantly, your protection dates back to y…
Should I register outside the UK too?
A UK trademark stops at the UK border. If you sell, or plan to sell, abroad, applying internationally within six months of your UK filing lets you claim your UK fili…
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.
