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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UK & EU Trademark Invalidation
Protect your brand with our UK & EU trademark invalidation services. Get expert guidance, evidence support, and representation. Start with a free trademark search today.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
News23 Jun 2026Gymshark Just Blocked a Copycat Called ‘GymBull’, and Why That Matters for Smaller Brands
Gymshark started life in a garage in Solihull, and this month it blocked a copycat trademark called ‘GymBull’. The garage bit is the part…
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.
Article6 Feb 2026Who Manages Trademarks Within an Organisation?
Discover who manages trademarks in your organization. Expert trademark management services for businesses of all sizes. Free consultation available.
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…
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 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…
How does a registered trademark help remove a fake social media account?
A registered trademark proves ownership of your brand, which gives a clear basis for a formal complaint to the platform. With it, infringing content, handles and acc…
What is the social media takedown process?
There are five stages. We assess the content or account to confirm it breaches your rights, gather evidence including proof of trademark ownership, and file a formal…
When might a business need a social media takedown?
Common reasons include impersonation accounts using your name or logo, handles or usernames containing your registered trademark, accounts promoting counterfeit prod…
What is a website takedown service?
A website takedown service identifies online use that infringes your rights and works to have it removed from websites, search engines and the platforms where it is…
What happens if a website owner refuses to remove infringing content?
If the infringing party does not co-operate, the matter can be escalated. As the trademark owner, and through our representation, you can ask the relevant hosting pl…
Can a trademark help recover a copycat domain name?
It can. One client's first monitoring report found an infringing domain registered by a former supplier. On our advice, they complained to Nominet, which administers…
Are most website infringements deliberate?
In our experience, most infringements are inadvertent rather than malicious. Intent is often a factor when gathering evidence, and it usually shapes the approach. We…
FAQ2 Oct 2026Can someone trademark a name I’m already using and force me to stop?
Yes, potentially, but not simply because they filed an application. Applying first can give them a significant advantage, but it does not automatically erase your ea…
News17 Sep 2026Can You Sue Someone for Copying Your Brand? What Louboutin v YSL Actually Decided
If someone copies your brand, can you actually sue? What Louboutin’s red sole case decided, what a registration really gives you, and when it won’t be enough.
Article15 Sep 2026Airbnb v bnb-side: How Far Can Trademark Rights Extend Over Descriptive Words?
Airbnb has opposed the UK trademark applications for bnb-side. We look at the dispute, descriptive terms, famous trademarks and how far brand rights can extend.
FAQ1 Sep 2026What Is a Trademark Coexistence Agreement?
What is a trademark coexistence agreement? How two businesses share a similar name, what the agreement covers, and why it needs to plan for growth.
Article18 Aug 2026Can You Lose a Trademark If You Don’t Use It? Yes, and 2026 Has Made the Risk More Real
Can you lose a trademark if you don't use it? Yes. After five years of non-use a UK trademark can be revoked, and EU use no longer saves a comparable UK mark.
Article3 Jul 2026What Happens to Your Old Trademark After a Rebrand?
What happens to your trademark after a rebrand? Renewal, the five-year non-use rule and what Halifax retiring its brand shows about keeping an old name alive.
News1 Jul 2026Should You Trademark Your Company Name? The Lesson Behind the “1587 Prime” Steakhouse Dispute
Mahomes and Kelce's 1587 Prime steakhouse is being sued over its name. Here's what the dispute teaches every business owner about clearing a name first.
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.
News23 Jun 202666,000 Fake Football Shirts Seized in Spain: Why Enforcement Always Comes Back to a Registered Right
More than 66,000 fake football shirts, around 16 tonnes of them, have been seized across Spain in a single coordinated operation as the 2026…
News23 Jun 2026Jellycat Versus the High Street: Why ‘Just a Cuddly Toy’ Is a Serious Brand Protection Lesson
Jellycat going after major retailers is a brilliant reminder that “cute” can still be very serious business. Most people look at a Jellycat and…
News23 Jun 2026A World Cup Marketing Warning for Pubs and Hospitality: What You Can and Cannot Say
If you run a pub, bar or any kind of hospitality venue, the World Cup is one of the best trading opportunities of the…
News17 Jun 2026Did you know that Umbro lost a Supreme Court case last summer?
Here is a question that tends to stop people in their tracks. Did you know that Umbro, the company behind one of the most…
Article15 Jun 2026Proof of Use: What Is It, Why Does It Matter Where Trademarks Are Concerned and can ‘the blockchain’ help?
Unlike domain names, where many people over the years have made a living from buying attractive domain names and then reselling them at a…
News10 Jun 2026Can a Smaller Business’s Trademark Stop a Famous Brand?
How prior trademark rights let a Las Vegas performer challenge Taylor Swift's Showgirl filing, how the same rules work in the UK and why filing first matters.
News9 Jun 2026How a Trademark Dispute Turned Into a £322,000 Costs Bill
A UK trademark dispute cost £322,000. Discover why enforcement escalated, the risks of cease-and-desist letters, and how to protect your brand and budget.
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.
Article8 Jun 2026Can a Brand Name Become Too Generic to Protect?
A generic trademark can be revoked in the UK. How brands like Escalator and Aspirin became everyday words, and how to stop the same happening to your name.
Article8 Jun 2026Can a Bigger Brand Force You to Change Your Business Name?
Can a bigger brand force you to change your business name? What Patagonia and TickTickTrader v TikTok show about who wins, and what to do if a letter lands.
Article5 Jun 2026Can You Stop Somebody Bidding On Your Brand Name In Google Ads With A Trademark?
Can you stop a competitor bidding on your brand name in Google Ads? How trademark infringement, passing off in the UK & registering a trademark protect you.
Article4 Jun 2026Can a Big Brand Oppose Your Trademark in a Different Industry?
Can a big brand oppose your trademark in a different industry? How similar goods and the reputation ground work, and what Crazy Rich Flavours shows.
Article21 May 2026Can You Sell Upcycled Branded Goods Without Infringing a Trademark?
Can you sell upcycled branded goods without infringing a trademark? How UK exhaustion of rights works, the Chanel, Rolex and Hermès cases, and checks to make.
News15 May 2026Think Before You Threaten: What the Crystal Bar Trademark Battle Teaches Every Business Owner
The Crystal Bar trademark dispute shows the legal risks of sending threat letters. Learn what this Court of Appeal ruling means for UK brand owners.
News3 Apr 2026When Big Brand Enforcement Fails: What the Easygroup v Easyfeetstore Ruling Means for SMEs
easyGroup's claims against Easyfeet dismissed. Learn what this ruling means for SMEs facing big brand trademark enforcement and how to protect your brand.
Video6 Feb 2026Are Trademarks Ready for the Metaverse?
A quick explainer on how trademarks apply to NFTs and the metaverse, covering key legal points brands and creators should know in under a minute.
Video15 Dec 2025How to respond to trademark infringements
https://youtube.com/shorts/AdUXRJd0u-o?si=qsk_GzsIYOrpJmmj
News30 Oct 2025SpudBros vs The Spud Father – What Actually Happened?
If you’ve watched TikTok recently, you’ll have seen a massive dispute between SpudBros and The Spud Father, which has blown up social media feeds…
Article21 Oct 2025How to Remove Fake Social Media Accounts and Why Trademarks Make It Easier
Fake social media accounts are now one of the biggest online threats to businesses and influencers. From Instagram and TikTok to Facebook and LinkedIn,…
News7 Jun 2025Your Brand, Their Website: What the Ryanair v Skyscanner Ruling Teaches Every Business About Online Trademark Control
Can you stop third parties using your brand online? The Ryanair v Skyscanner ruling reveals the limits of trademark law and the importance of licensing.
News19 May 2025Trademark Battles in the Den: What Rebecca Sloan’s Legal Fight Can Teach You About Brand Protection
You might remember Rebecca Sloan from her standout pitch on Dragons’ Den. She introduced the world to Piddle Patch, a real grass, biodegradable dog…
News9 May 2025Big News on the Big Mac, Amazon Advice, a WhatsApp Blunder and Bacardi’s Blow
Big news out of Europe. The courts have ruled that McDonald’s no longer has exclusive rights to the name Big Mac outside of beef…
Article7 May 2025Do You Need a Trademark to Sell on Amazon?
You can sell on Amazon without a registered trademark, but if you want full control of your brand and listings, a trademark is essential.…
News28 Mar 2025Bacardi Faces Setback in Havana Club Trademark Battle – Key Lessons for Brand Protection
In another twist to the decades-long trademark dispute, spirits giant Bacardi has experienced a notable setback. A Virginia federal court recently dismissed Bacardi'…
News28 Mar 2025Binance Faces Trademark Dispute Over ‘Peanut the Squirrel’: Protecting Your Brand in the Digital Era
A new trademark dispute has emerged in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace, with cryptocurrency exchange giant Binance facing allegations of unauthorised use of the…
News27 Mar 2025Thatchers Cider Triumph Over Aldi in Landmark Trademark Case Means Protecting Your Brand Just Got Easier
In a major win for brand owners, Somerset-based cider maker Thatchers has successfully overturned an earlier court decision, defeating supermarket giant Aldi in a…
News16 Dec 2024The Supreme Court Ruling: A Game Changer for Overly Broad Trademark Filings
In December 2024, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling in the SkyKick v Sky case [2024] UKSC 36, fundamentally reshaping the landscape…
Article6 Dec 2024Trademark Strategies for NFTs: Navigating a New Digital Economy
The rapid rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has revolutionised how artists, creators, and brands interact with their audiences. By offering unique digital assets tied…
Article6 Dec 2024Navigating Trademark Issues in the NFT World
When we talk about Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT’s) we are essentially talking about the world of digital art and assets, 2021 marked a revolutionary change…
News22 Nov 2024The Katy Perry Trademark Drama: A Surprising Turn
Update, 1 June 2026: The 2024 decision described below is no longer the end of this case. Stage by stage: in September 2008 the…
News22 Oct 2024WordPress vs WP Engine – Trademark Dispute
A Battle Over Branding and Legal Rights - If you’re in the web development community you’ll have been captivated recently by the ongoing trademark…
News22 Oct 2024Marvel and DC Lose Trademark on ‘Super Hero’
The End of a Super Era For decades, "Super Hero" was synonymous with characters that Marvel Comics and DC Comics came up with. With…
Article20 Sep 2024Social Media, Accounts and Handles, Who’s Enforcing Them?
Social media accounts and handles have become essential to any brand with the advancement of the digital world. More and more businesses are using…
Article21 Aug 2024Domains and Websites: How Do You Stop People Using Your Brand?
In today’s digital world, protecting your brand online is as important as safeguarding your physical assets. Your domain name and website are key components…
Article1 Aug 2024What is Passing Off and Why does it Matter? – A Peloton Case Study
You’ve heard of Peloton right? Founded in 2012 by John Foley, Peloton revolutionised the home exercise market by combining technology and engaging fitness content…
Rame Consulting Limited
Fleur Cushman, Director, Curranz
Mike Smith, Director, Trinity Homecare
Angus Norris, Managing Director, Ruggerbeez
News28 Jun 2024Reflecting on House of Zana’s Trademark Victory Over Zara
Amber Kotrri of House of Zana wins a trademark dispute against Zara, showcasing small business resilience and the importance of trademark protection.
News21 Jun 2024Bacardi Scores Legal Victory in Long-Running HAVANA CLUB Trademark Dispute
Bacardi's HAVANA CLUB trademark battle revived by US Court of Appeals. The case against the Cuban government and USPTO challenges the 2016 renewal by Cubaexport, hig…
Article19 Jun 2024How can trademarks boost your Search Engine Rankings?
Register and trademark a business name to boost online presence. Protect your brand, increase trust, and improve SEO rankings. Invest in our Trademark Service today.
News4 Jun 2024Harley-Davidson vs. Next: High Court Showdown!
Harley-Davidson sues Next in a High Court battle over alleged logo copycats, emphasizing the importance of trademark protection. Discover the details behind Harley-D…
News26 May 2024Indian Restaurant Chain Dishoom Challenges Trademark Held by London Businessman
Dishoom faces a legal battle over the trademark 'Ruby Murray' with Tariq Aziz, highlighting the importance of Trademark Registration in the UK. This case underscores…
News22 Apr 2023Katy Perry’s Trademark Showdown with an Australian Designer
When you think of trademarks, you might not immediately think of pop stars, but the case of Katy Perry versus Katie Perry serves as…
News21 Sep 2021Red Bull challenge gin maker Bullards
A small Norwich based gin making business, founded in 1837, has become the target of energy drink super giant, Red Bull, over the use…
News2 Sep 2021Houston pop-up in hot water over SpongeBob theme
Viacom have taken legal action again Houston pop-up restaurant, The Rusty Krab, over SpongeBob infringement.
News9 Aug 2021Oatly loose trademark battle against Glebe Farm Foods
Swedish alternative oat milk brand Oatly lose trademark battle against Glebe Farm Foods
News29 Jun 2021Shein accused of IP infringement
Dr Martens has filed a claim against Shein for alleged IP infringement.
News24 Jun 2021Banksy stripped of trademarks
Anonymous street artist, Banksy, has been stripped of two more trademarks (four in total) for his works because he never intended to commercialise them…
News14 Jun 2021Next vs Next
Next PLC force independent retailer to change her business name in trademark dispute.
News9 Jun 2021Would you be confused between these two oat milk brands?
Swedish oat milk brand, Oatly, have filed a claim against drink supplier Glebe Farm Foods, claiming that their PureOaty brand infringes on its Oatley and Oat-ly! tra…
News15 May 2021Gucci & Facebook combine forces to take down counterfeit retailers.
Read how fashion label Gucci & internet giant Facebook are combining forces in lawsuit against counterfeit sellers.
News10 May 2021Chanel & Huawei go head to head, again, over interlocking semi-circles.
The first thing you think of when someone say’s ‘brand identity’ is the logo, just like the first thing you think of when someone…
News3 May 2021Michelin win trademark dispute against Japanese wine delivery website.
International tyre giant, Michelin, has been successful in its bid to prevent an individual in Japan from trading under the domain ‘Michelin-wine.tokyo’. The Tradema…
Article26 Aug 2026Someone in Another Country Is Using My Brand. Can I Stop Them?
A UK trademark is a territorial right and stops at the border. What you can do when a business overseas uses your name, and where you should be registered.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ15 Sep 2026Can You See What Trademarks Your Competitors Are Filing?
Yes. How a competitor trademark search works on the UK register, what new filings reveal and hide, and how monitoring keeps watch for you from £14 a month.
Article14 Aug 2026Can a Sponsor or Licensee Damage Your Brand?
Can a sponsor or licensee damage your brand? What Burnley's shirt deal shows, what UK law lets you control and what a trademark licensing agreement needs.
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.
News14 Jul 2026First to File vs First to Use: The Question Every Brand Owner Should Ask After Anthropic v Abnormal AI
Anthropic filed eight months after Abnormal AI and is now fighting for its name in court. Why first to file beats first to use, and how to protect your brand.
News16 Jun 2026Oatly’s ‘Post Milk Generation’ Trademark Struck Down by the UK Supreme Court
There is a comforting little thought that a lot of business owners allow themselves once the certificate finally arrives, and it tends to go…
Article9 Jun 2026What Happens If You Register Your Trademark in the Wrong Class?
Registered your trademark in the wrong class? What it leaves unprotected, why you can't add classes later, and how to check and fix the gaps in the UK.
News30 Oct 2025IMPORTANT – Lessons from SpudBros vs The Spud Father – Part 2
Prevention Is Better Than Cure Registering a trademark is only the first step. The second, often forgotten and probably more important for you (the…
News11 Jun 2025When Ugg Isn’t Just a Brand and What the Famous Boot Taught Us About Trademarks and Geography
https://youtube.com/shorts/wShIXO81bgM?feature=share Say “Ugg” in the UK and you’ll picture the classic tan boots, trademarked, well marketed, and sold by the UGG br…
News19 May 2025How Brexit and Backlogs Are Leaving One Small Business Owner £30,000 Out of Pocket in a Trademark Battle with L’Oréal
Discover how Brexit and EUIPO backlogs cost one small business £30,000 in a trademark dispute with L’Oréal—and what it means for your brand protection strategy.
News16 Dec 2024THE BOYZ Retain Trademark: A Game-Changer for Their Legacy
THE BOYZ are truly “Giddy Up” with excitement after securing the rights to their name. Following their departure from IST Entertainment, the group faced…
Article6 Dec 2024Protecting Your Brand in the Virtual World of NFTs
As non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continue to revolutionise the digital landscape, protecting your brand in this virtual space has never been more critical. NFTs can…
Article6 Dec 2024Damien Hirst’s NFT Experiment: Digital Art vs. Physical Art
Damien Hirst who owns several trademarks worldwide including ‘his name’, ‘Spot Paintings’ and ‘Spin Paintings’, shook up the art world with his groundbreaking project,…
Article6 Dec 2024MetaBirkins: A Case Study in Trademark Disputes with NFTs
If you read our article Navigating Trademark Issues in the NFT World you’ll know that NFT’s and the rights and obligations to their creation,…
Article22 Oct 2024How can Partnerships and Collaborations support your brands growth?
Chapter 7 - The Power of Trademarks in Modern Marketing Partnerships and collaborations are done across all sectors, some more noticeable than others. In…
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.
