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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 2025Why Nestlé Could Not Take a Break from Trouble When Trademarking the KitKat Shape
Nestlé wanted to protect the shape of KitKat’s, but the courts had other ideas. Even though millions do see the breakable bar with 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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
News7 Sep 2026The Trademark Helpline launches enhanced client monitoring, portal access and new business-support services
New fortnightly UK trademark monitoring reports, a client portal and watchlists. What The Trademark Helpline does behind the scenes, and what changes next.
News21 Aug 2026Scam Warning: St Nic’s Legal Services, Have You Received a “Legal Notice on Business Name and Domain Rights Conflict”?
Received a “Legal Notice on Business Name and Domain Rights Conflict” from St Nic’s Legal Services? Read the warning signs before replying or paying.
News20 Aug 2026Supermac’s Beat McDonald’s at the UK Registry. Here’s What That Says About Names That Look Too Similar
Is my business name too similar to one that already exists? A UK registry decision shows a shared word is not enough on its own. What actually decides it.
News13 Aug 2026Jersey Just Dropped Out of UK International Trademark Registrations: It’s a Small Change That Makes a Bigger Point
From 1 August, Jersey is no longer covered by the UK designation of an international trademark registration. What changed, who it affects, and what to check.
News3 Aug 2026Scam Warning: Trademarkium, Have You Received a “UK Registration Documentation” Email?
Received a UK Registration Documentation email from Trademarkium? Here is what we found about the sender, the tactics, and what to check before you pay anyone.
News15 Jul 2026Trademark Decisions Are Business Risk Decisions: Lessons from 4,176 UK Registrations
After 4,176 UK registrations, one lesson stands out: the best trademark strategy starts with the cost of failure, not the cost of filing. Here is why.
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.
News9 Jul 2026Scam Warning: Knighton Legal Services – Have You Received a “Legal Notice on Business Name and Domain Conflict”?
Received a “Legal Notice on Business Name and Domain Conflict” from Knighton Legal Services? Here’s why this trademark scam email works and what to do.
News2 Jul 2026Is the UK IPO Ending Series Trademark Applications?
The UK IPO is ending the series trademark application for new filings. What was announced, when it takes effect and what it means for your logo versions.
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.
News1 Jul 2026Scam Warning: Trademark Center UK, Have You Received A “United Kingdom Brand Registration Profile” Email?
Have you received an email from Trademark Center UK claiming another party is about to register your brand? Read our warning before you reply, call or pay.
News25 Jun 2026Trademark Renewal and Ownership: What the Beckham ‘Brooklyn’ Trademark Teaches Every UK Business Owner
The Beckham 'Brooklyn' trademark is nearing renewal - a sharp lesson in trademark ownership. Learn who really owns your brand and why renewal deadlines matter.
News25 Jun 2026Tesla’s Cybercab Trademark Fight: Why You File Before You Announce
Tesla announced Cybercab and a French firm filed the name six days later. What the Tesla Cybercab trademark dispute shows about filing before you announce.
News24 Jun 2026Can You Still Use Your Own Name Once You’ve Sold the Brand? The Jo Malone Dispute
Can you still use your own name once you have sold the brand? It sounds like an odd question, but Jo Malone is facing…
News23 Jun 2026FIFA Made Levi’s Cover Its Own Stadium, and the Real Flex Was How Recognisable It Stayed
Source - James O’Connor FIFA: “Hey Levi’s, you’ll need to cover your name on Levi’s Stadium to meet our sponsorship rules.” Levi’s: “Sure thing.”…
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 2026AI and Trademarks: A Brilliant Assistant, but a Poor Researcher
One of my team recently flagged something to a local business, a genuinely successful brand, that they were trading with no trademark at all.…
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…
News23 Jun 2026Gillette Stadium Becomes ‘Boston Stadium’ for the World Cup: What FIFA’s Clean Venue Rule Teaches Brand Owners
“Right, just cover the branding on every seat.” All 65,878 of them. That, more or less, is what has been happening at Gillette Stadium…
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…
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…
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.
News25 May 2026Why Taylor Swift Trademarking Her Voice Should Make Every UK Brand Owner Think Harder About AI
This isn't the first time we have commended Taylor Swift over here on the Helpline, after all, who doesn't love a bit of Tay…
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.
News20 Feb 2026Urgent Notice for Clients of Brandright
This matter first came to our attention after we were contacted by a former client of Brandright who was unsure whether they were still receiving important correspon…
News6 Feb 2026Brexit’s Final Blow to EU Trademarks – the UK Trademark Gap That Could Affect Established Brands
If you sell products or services into the UK and don’t have a UK trademark, your brand may be completely unprotected, even if you’ve…
News15 Dec 2025Important – Update on Our Pricing
Since 2017, our pricing has remained unchanged. During that time, we have remained firmly committed to one principle: making high quality trademark support accessible…
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…
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…
News14 Oct 2025We Got a 1 Star Review… You Won’t Believe Why
It’s not every day you get a one-star review for something you didn’t even do. But this is exactly what happened to us last…
News11 Oct 2025Urgent Notice for Clients of Ancient Hume Ltd
This matter first came to our attention after we were contacted by a former client of Ancient Hume Ltd who was unsure whether they were still receiving important cor…
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…
News11 Jun 2025Cadbury’s Purple Battle: When Colour Alone Is Not Enough
Explore Cadbury’s legal battle to trademark the colour purple. Learn why colour alone isn't always enough for trademark protection in the UK.
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 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.
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…
News16 May 2025The Trademark Trouble Behind Dubai Chocolate and What It Means for Your Brand
You’ve probably seen it. That glossy, pistachio-filled chocolate bar from Dubai that has gone viral across TikTok and Instagram. Rich. Indulgent. Beautifully package…
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…
News23 Apr 2025TM Direct Update: Trademark Direct Clients
Update – 5 May 2025 Trademark Direct have confirmed that their preferred email address for client correspondence is info@trademarkdirect.co.uk. They have also confir…
News28 Mar 2025Who Can Call Themselves a Chocolate Master? Lindt’s Trademark Battle Raises Crucial Questions
The debate over who can rightfully claim industry terms as trademarks is heating up once again, this time centred around the phrase ‘Master Chocolat’.…
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…
News10 Jan 2025UK IPO Fees Are Increasing This April. Here’s What You Need to Know (and Why It Still Makes Sense to Protect Your Brand)
If you've been thinking about registering a trademark, renewing a design, or securing intellectual property protection for your business, you might want to act…
News19 Dec 2024How The Trademark Helpline is Adapting to the Latest Trademark High Court Ruling
Since 2008, The Trademark Helpline has been committed to ensuring our clients get their trademark applications right the first time. Our Trademark Clearance Audit Service…
News17 Dec 2024Meghan Markle’s Latest Trademark Dispute: American Riviera Orchard
What’s your view on Megan and Harry? The illustrious pair Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have once again found themselves at the centre of…
News16 Dec 2024WWE Files for New Trademark: Is Classic Content Going Behind a Paywall?
If you smell what The Rock is cooking, WWE’s new strategy might just be a game-changer. Recently, WWE filed for the trademark “Raw Vault”,…
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…
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…
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…
News19 Nov 2024Sweden’s Bold Move to Trademark Its Name: What It Means for Global Branding
Sweden has taken a groundbreaking step by applying to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to trademark its name. This bold move aims…
News14 Nov 2024WIPOT Trademark Scam: Have You Received a “World Intellectual Property Office for Trademarks” Letter?
One of the benefits of having registered 4,176 UK trademarks between 2008 and 2026, and a newsletter list of 18,000 subscribers, across pretty much…
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…
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…
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…
News3 Jun 2024Exciting News for Taylor Swift Fans & Trademark Enthusiasts! 🚨
"Discover how Taylor Swift's 'Female Rage: The Musical' and TAS Rights Management's strategic trademark registration set a prime example for artists and businesses a…
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…
News31 Jan 2024Stern Young & Partners Trademark Letter: Have you received a trademark renewal letter?
We have recently seen another type of trademark letter being sent to UK trademark owners, this time from a business using the name Stern…
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…
News27 Sep 2021Oatly’s trademark mission continues…
Swedish oat milk brand, Oatly, are trying to claim to term 'barista'
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
News2 Aug 2021Lindt secures trademark status for bunny foil
Everyone’s favourite gold foil-wrapped chocolate Easter bunny won its latest legal battle on Thursday as Germany's federal court ruled its gold tone had trademark…
News22 Jul 2021Welsh business forced to change name
Welsh business Eryri clothing forced to change name Snowdonia clothing in trademark dispute.
News9 Jul 2021Archewell hits bump over trademark terms
The latest about the Sussex's Archewell trademark application.
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…
News21 Jun 2021Client Case Study – Grandma’s Kitchen
The Trademark Helpline client case study on Bolton based new business Grandma's Kitchen.
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…
News2 Jun 2021A Tesla burger whilst you wait for your car to charge?
Tesla has just applied for three trademarks with the US Patent Office, under the categories for Restaurant services, pop-up restaurant services, self-service restaur…
News26 May 2021Samsung excites tech world with latest trademark filings.
South Korean electronics company Samsung have excited the tech world this week after two trademark filings were spotted for ‘Z Roll’ and ‘Z Slide’.
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…
News26 Apr 2021Why the owner of Boo Consulting has trademarked her brand.
Boo Consulting Limited case study with The Trademark Helpline for WIP Day 2021
News1 Jan 2018How Will Brexit Impact EU Trademark Protections?
Discover how Brexit affects EU trademark protections for UK businesses. Learn what steps to take to maintain your brand rights post-Brexit.
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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.
