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.
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.
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.
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…
What is a Right Start trademark application?
Right Start is a UK trademark application in two stages. You see the official examiner's feedback before committing to the full application fee, which reduces the ri…
What is included in every trademark application?
Every application includes a full brand and trademark report, a telephone consultation to go through it, the application completed by an IP professional with a trade…
How is the cost of a trademark application worked out?
Every application is different, so we avoid one-size-fits-all prices. After a clearance audit you receive a specific quote setting out the official UKIPO fees and ou…
What is the difference between a trademark opposition and enforcement?
Oppositions and cancellations are formal proceedings at the UK IPO, used to stop a conflicting application or to remove a registration that should not be there. Enfo…
What free trademark tools does The Trademark Helpline offer?
We offer six free tools, open to everyone whether or not you are a client. They are a free trademark search, a trademark cost calculator, classes and terms helpers,…
What are the steps to protecting a trademark with The Trademark Helpline?
There are four. It starts with a free brand search to check whether your name looks available. Next, a specialist carries out an audit and maps the risks and options…
What is the Temmy Portal?
Temmy Portal is a free trademark dashboard that shows your UK and worldwide trademarks, renewal dates and register changes in one place, built from the official regi…
How does the trademark cost calculator work out a price?
The calculator prices your mark across more than 200 filing platforms and breaks the cost down by region, whether that is the UK alone, the UK and EU together or a w…
What trademark paralegal services are available to solicitors and IP attorneys?
Our paralegal team supports firms with the operational side of trademark work. That covers UK, EU and international clearance searches with structured reports, appli…
How does outsourced trademark paralegal support work in practice?
We act as an extension of your team, working efficiently, accurately and discreetly in the background. Your firm keeps the legal advice and the client relationship,…
Can a paralegal service coordinate trademark filings in several countries?
Yes. We give firms one point of contact for multi-country trademark filings, with access to trusted trademark attorneys worldwide. That reduces the duplication of ti…
What makes up the cost of a trademark?
There are two parts. Official register fees are set by each trademark office, rise with the number of classes you cover, and are paid straight to the office. Profess…
What is not included in a fixed trademark application price?
Renewals, which normally fall due every ten years, are not included, and neither is monitoring, or enforcing and defending the trademark if somebody tries to copy or…
How much is the brand audit before filing a trademark?
Our Brand Audit with review and consultation is normally £298, but you pay £99. The £99 is deducted from your fees if you choose us to register the trademark. If we…
Why does one trademark cost more than another?
Two things drive the number: classes and territories. Each extra class of goods or services adds to the official fee, and a UK registration protects the UK only, so…
What is the difference between a registered design and a trademark?
A trademark protects your brand name, logo or slogan. A registered design protects how a product looks: its shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation, including…
How long does a UK registered design last?
A UK registered design can last up to 25 years, but it has to be renewed every five years to stay valid. That is different from a trademark, which renews every ten y…
How many designs can go in one UK design application?
A single UK application can include between one and ten designs, provided they fall within the same Locarno class. Each visually distinct version, such as a differen…
How long does it take to register a design in the UK?
Design registration is usually much faster than a trademark, often within two to three weeks, compared with a minimum of three to four months for a trademark. The pr…
FAQ12 Oct 2026Do I need separate UK and EU trademarks after Brexit?
If your brand matters in both the UK and the European Union, you generally need trademark protection covering both territories. A UK trademark does not protect you t…
What happens to my EU trademark if a country leaves the EU?
It only affects you if a country you rely on leaves, and the Brexit precedent is reassuring. When the UK left, the EUIPO and the UK IPO arranged for every existing E…
Can I convert my UK trademark into an EU trademark?
Not directly, they are separate rights, so you file a fresh EU application. The useful part is that if you file in the EU within six months of your UK filing date, y…
Do I need a UK trademark before applying for an EU one?
No. An EUTM is independent and you can file it directly. For a UK business it is often sensible to register in the UK first, since that is your home market, but it i…
How long does an EU trademark application take?
In a straightforward case with no opposition, usually around four to six months from filing through to registration. We give you a realistic timeline at the outset a…
Does an EU trademark cover the UK, Switzerland or Norway?
No. An EUTM covers the 27 EU member states only. The UK needs its own registration since Brexit, and non-EU countries such as Switzerland, Norway and Turkey each nee…
How much does an EU trademark cost?
The EUIPO official fee starts at €850 for one class filed online, with €50 for a second class and €150 for each further class. We confirm the exact official fees for…
Can a business outside the UK register an EU trademark through you?
Yes. A business based anywhere in the world that sells into Europe can protect its brand across all 27 EU states with one EUTM through us, with a single UK based poi…
FAQ12 Oct 2026Does a UK trademark protect me everywhere I sell, worldwide?
No. A UK trademark protects your brand in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. It does not automatically protect you in other countries, including places where yo…
How long does international trademark registration take?
It varies by country, but as a rough guide, many markets take somewhere between 6 and 18 months if there are no objections. Some are faster, some much slower. We giv…
How much does an international trademark cost?
There is no single figure, because every country sets its own official fee, from around RMB 300 in China to several hundred pounds in the US, EU or Canada. On top of…
Can I claim priority based on my UK trademark?
Yes. If you file abroad within six months of your UK filing date, you can usually claim that earlier UK date as your priority date. It does not guarantee acceptance,…
What if my application is rejected in one country?
A rejection in one country does not affect your registrations in the others. With local representation we can usually respond to the objection, amend the specificati…
Do I need to renew each country separately?
Trademarks generally renew every ten years, but the detail varies by country. In the United States, for example, you renew every ten years, and you must also file pr…
Which countries are not covered by the Madrid Protocol?
Most major economies are members, but some are not, so they need a direct national filing. Taiwan is not part of the system, and Hong Kong is not covered by mainland…
What is the difference between WIPO and a country’s trademark office?
The name is a little misleading. WIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization, is a United Nations agency based in Geneva, not a trademark office, and it canno…
Can I apply internationally without a UK trademark first?
For a Madrid application you need a home application or registration to base it on, which for a UK business is usually the UK mark. You can file directly in individu…
What trademark partnership options are there for agencies and advisers?
We offer three main models. Introducers refer clients and we manage them, with rewards for the introducer and discounts for the client. Resellers sell our services a…
Which partnership model suits which type of business?
Introducer partnerships are favoured by accountants and business advisers who want to refer clients without managing the work. Reseller partnerships are favoured by…
Why do professional firms add trademark services?
Many of their clients have a name, logo or tagline worth protecting, but trademark work is research heavy and time consuming to handle in house. Errors on applicatio…
What is acquired distinctiveness?
Acquired distinctiveness arises where a mark that may originally have been descriptive becomes registrable because, through long and consistent use, consumers associ…
Can a descriptive brand become registrable over time?
In some circumstances, yes. If a brand has been used extensively and has built recognition in the marketplace, it may acquire distinctiveness. This is not automatic…
What is a trademark clearance audit?
A trademark clearance audit is a structured review carried out before filing. It goes beyond a basic register search and can include checks of overseas trademarks, domain name…
What does a trademark clearance audit include?
An audit typically reviews UK and relevant overseas registers, assesses class overlap, considers potential marketplace and domain conflicts and evaluates commercial…
Why should I carry out an audit before filing?
An audit reduces the likelihood of avoidable objections or opposition. It allows you to assess risk before investing in official fees and branding. Many examination…
Do I need a consultation before applying?
You are not required to have a consultation before filing. However, many clients find that a short discussion over the phone or on teams, provides clarity and preven…
Do you offer a free trademark consultation?
Yes. We offer a free initial consultation to understand your circumstances and outline appropriate next steps. The purpose is to provide clarity on the trademark pro…
Do I need to renew my trademark?
Yes. Renewal is required every ten years to maintain protection. Failure to renew may result in the mark lapsing and in the worst case, opportunists registering your…
What happens if my trademark expires?
If a trademark expires, there is typically a limited grace period during which it may be restored upon payment of additional fees. If that period passes, protection…
Can I restore an expired trademark?
In some cases, yes, provided action is taken within the statutory grace period. Restoration is not automatic and timing is important. This is why as representatives…
How much does trademarking cost?
Trademark registration costs can vary depending on your specific requirements, including the number of goods and services classes you need and the countries you wish…
What are the ways to work with The Trademark Helpline?
There are three options. Self Service suits people on a budget who want initial guidance: we carry out the research through our Online Trademark Clearance Audit and…
What happens if there is a problem with my application under Application Services?
Under Application Services we do the heavy lifting on your trademark application, and if any issues come up with it, we have you covered. That suits applicants who p…
Who is a trademark retainer service for?
A retainer suits trademark owners whose brand, tagline, website or social handle holds significant value. It provides ongoing monitoring and representation, and if a…
What topics do The Trademark Helpline videos cover?
The library of more than 120 videos and shorts gives plain-English guidance on registering, protecting and defending a brand in the UK and worldwide. Topics include…
Can a person trademark their own face or likeness?
It is more complicated in the UK than many people assume. Personal names can be registered as trademarks, which matters for founder-led and influencer brands, and so…
Why does a trademark still need monitoring after registration?
Registration gives you a right to enforce, but on its own it does not stop anyone copying your brand. Copycat applications, company names, domains and social account…
What can I do if I cannot contact my trademark representative?
Start by checking the register to see who is listed as your representative and when your trademarks are due for renewal. If you cannot reach the firm, it is worth ac…
What happens if official trademark notices go unanswered?
Notices such as cancellations, objections and renewal reminders often carry deadlines. If they are sent to a representative who does not respond or pass them on, a t…
Can I change my trademark representative if I am unhappy with the service?
Yes. Trademark owners can appoint a different representative. If you are no longer satisfied with the service you receive, you can book a free 15-minute chat with ou…
How do I transfer my trademark representation to The Trademark Helpline?
The process takes four steps. We provide a complete list of your current UK trademarks, then pre-fill the change of representative form, TM33, which you check before…
Why do trademark owners change representative?
Owners move for a range of reasons. Some want more than a filing service, with monitoring and enforcement support once the mark is registered. Others want renewals t…
What does trademark representation include?
Representation includes monitoring as standard, covering company name filings, domain registrations and social handles as well as the trademark register. Renewals ar…
Is my trademark at risk while representation is transferred?
No. Changing representative changes who receives official correspondence and manages deadlines, while the trademark itself stays registered to you. We handle the sub…
Is a trademark an asset on a business's balance sheet?
Yes. A trademark is an asset rather than just a cost. It can appear on the balance sheet, and it can be sold, licensed, charged or inherited. Buyers check who owns t…
Why does trademark ownership matter when a client sells their business?
The brand is often a large part of what is being bought, so due diligence looks at it early. The trademark belongs to whoever is named as proprietor on the register,…
What kinds of names can be protected as a trademark?
A trademark can protect a business name, a product name, a brand name or the name behind a domain. Registering a company at Companies House or buying a domain does n…
Do I need to trademark a product name as well as my business name?
It depends where the value sits. If customers buy the house brand, protecting the business name may be enough. If individual product names carry their own recognitio…
When is a UK trademark due for renewal?
A UK trademark is due for renewal ten years from its filing date, the day the application was made, not the day it was registered. For most trademarks that is a few…
How much does it cost to renew a UK trademark?
The UK IPO's renewal fee is £245 for the first class and £60 for each extra class. Renewing up to six months after expiry adds a £60 late fee. Restoration between si…
Do I need proof of use to renew a UK trademark?
No. Renewing a UK trademark does not require evidence of use. However, once a trademark has been registered for five years, use starts to matter: if you enforce it o…
Can I add goods, services or a new logo when renewing a trademark?
No. At renewal you can remove classes, goods or services, but you cannot add anything. New goods, new services, a new logo or a different version of the name all nee…
What does a trademark registration service include?
Our registration service covers each step of the process. We carry out thorough searches to identify potential conflicts, help classify your goods or services correc…
How does a trademark renewal service work?
Trademarks have to be renewed periodically to keep their legal protection. We notify you well in advance of each renewal deadline, manage the paperwork and submissio…
Can representation package hours be used for registrations and renewals?
Yes. Clients with a monthly representation package can use their allocated hours for trademark registrations and renewals, so they only pay the official fees charged…
What are the benefits of registering a trademark?
A registered trademark strengthens your brand and gives a solid foundation for building the company's reputation. It secures the exclusive right to own and use the m…
Is registering a trademark the only way to get exclusive rights to a name?
Yes. It is a common misconception that registering a company at Companies House gives the same security as a trademark. It does not. Companies House records a legal…
Does a trademark protect my name in every industry?
No. A trademark gives exclusive rights in the classes of goods and services it is registered for. Another business may be able to use the same name in an unrelated a…
Which free trademark guides can I download?
Six free guides are available to download: a general Free Trademark Guide, Trademarks for Accountants, Trademarks for Brand Agencies, Trademarks for Designers, Trade…
What are the main types of intellectual property?
The main types each protect something different. A trademark protects what a business is called, such as its name or logo, in specific classes of goods and services.…
Why do accountants, designers and lawyers need to understand trademarks?
Their clients' names, logos and taglines are often among the most valuable things the business owns, yet many owners assume a company registration or a domain protec…
What does a trademark clearance audit check beyond the trademark register?
A clearance audit goes further than a basic search. Alongside worldwide trademark registers, we check social media platforms for use of your name or logo, domain nam…
How much does a trademark clearance audit cost?
Our clearance audits start from £99. If you go ahead with the trademark registration through us, the full cost of the audit is deducted from your application fees. T…
What happens if the audit suggests not filing the trademark?
If you decide not to proceed after reviewing the results, we offer a second full brand audit on a different brand, free of charge. That gives you the chance to test…
Can my company name infringe someone else's trademark?
Yes. Companies House does not check the trademark register, so it can accept a company name that another business has already registered as a trademark. If that happ…
How can a sole trader protect a business name?
Sole traders and partnerships do not register their business name anywhere, so without a trademark the only protection is a passing off claim. That means proving you…
Can I trademark a business name that describes what I do?
Usually not. Names that simply describe the business, such as Best Plumbing or Manchester Accountants, are normally refused. Distinctive, invented or unexpected name…
Is it better to register a business name as words or as a logo?
Start with the name as words. A word trademark protects the name in any lettering, colour or design, while a logo registration protects only that particular design,…
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 white label trademark service?
A white label trademark service lets a firm offer trademark and intellectual property services entirely under its own brand. The firm controls pricing, positioning a…
What does white label back-office support include?
It includes pre-registration trademark searches, application preparation and filing, monitoring, renewals and ongoing trademark management, support with enforcement,…
How can a firm earn recurring income from trademark services?
Trademarks create ongoing needs after registration. Renewals and monitoring generate recurring income, and oppositions, enforcement actions and other disputes create…
How does the trademark introducer programme work?
You refer a client to The Trademark Helpline, and we manage the client relationship and deliver the trademark service directly. There is no need for legal knowledge,…
How are trademark introducers rewarded?
Introducers can choose referral rewards, paid to a personal Mastercard, or discounted trademark services. Clients referred through the programme also receive discoun…
What do clients referred by an introducer receive?
Referred clients get fast and accurate trademark searches, end-to-end handling of their trademark registration, ongoing monitoring and enforcement support, and clear…
How does a trademark reseller programme work?
As a reseller, you manage the client relationship and set your own pricing, while we carry out the trademark search, application and protection work behind the scene…
Do trademark resellers need legal training?
No. Resellers do not need legal training, in-house IP expertise or additional staff. We provide the expert trademark delivery, reporting and ongoing support. The mod…
Which trademark services can a reseller offer clients?
Resellers can offer a complete UK and international service. That includes combined clearance searches across UK, EU and international registers, domain names, Compa…
When does The Trademark Helpline involve solicitors or trademark attorneys?
We bring in our panel of regulated solicitors and trademark attorneys when a matter goes beyond our in-house support. Typical examples are giving more weight to a ce…
Who manages my case if a panel solicitor is involved?
Your account manager at The Trademark Helpline stays your central point of contact. We coordinate communication between you, the panel and any overseas trademark off…
Do I need a local representative to file a trademark abroad?
Often, yes. Overseas offices, including the EU Intellectual Property Office, frequently require applicants to work through a local representative. In those cases our…
What are the main steps to registering a UK trademark?
Most applications follow the same path. Search the register first, including for similar names, then decide what to protect and in which classes of goods and service…
Why is a trademark worth more than a registered company name?
Companies House and the trademark register are separate systems. Registering a company stops another company incorporating under the identical name, but it does not…
How much does ad hoc trademark support cost?
Our hourly rates for discretionary support range from £49 to £99 per hour. That covers work such as unforeseen trademark disputes, enforcement action and practical b…
What is the best first step when a trademark dispute arises without warning?
Get the position assessed early, before replying or committing to a course of action. Options narrow quickly once positions harden, and in our experience the situati…
Does The Trademark Helpline help with anything beyond trademarks?
Yes. Alongside trademark enforcement and advice, we share insight on direct marketing and SEO, social and native advertising, HR support and business coaching, and f…
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…
How often are UK trademark applications opposed?
Formal opposition is relatively rare. Figures drawn from the public UK register, covering a settled group of 1,340,875 marks filed between 2015 and 2023, show around…
Can I track my trademark application online?
Yes. We set your application live on your Temmy portal, so you can see exactly where it is in the process in real time. If you need login details, just ask and we wi…
How can I keep my home address off the trademark register?
Our representation service, from £14 a month, includes our Care of Address. It keeps your home address off the public trademark register and cuts scam mail at source…
FAQ12 Oct 2026Can I register a trademark myself, or do I need a trademark attorney?
You can file it yourself. On the public register, self-filed applications reach registration about 84.5% of the time and attorney filings 97.0%. In 2026, 98% of our…
How do I register a trademark in the UK?
Search first, then decide what to protect and in which categories, then file with the UK Intellectual Property Office. Examination takes a couple of months, then two…
I paid someone to file my trademark and it was never submitted. What now?
More common than it should be. Check the register first, because the application may simply be pending rather than missing. If it was never filed, you need the posit…
FAQ10 Oct 2026What are trademark classes, and which one(s) do I actually need?
Trademark classes are the 45 categories your trademark covers. Why the terms you claim matter, and how to choose classes that fit the business you are building.
Do I need to renew my trademark?
Yes. Renewal is required every ten years to maintain protection. Failure to renew may result in the mark lapsing and in the worst case, opportunists registering your…
What happens if my trademark expires?
If a trademark expires, there is typically a limited grace period during which it may be restored upon payment of additional fees. If that period passes, protection…
Can I restore an expired trademark?
In some cases, yes, provided action is taken within the statutory grace period. Restoration is not automatic and timing is important. This is why as representatives…
What is trademark infringement?
Trademark infringement occurs where someone uses a mark that is identical or confusingly similar to a registered trademark in relation to similar goods or services.…
What is passing off?
Passing off is a legal claim that may arise where a business has built goodwill in a brand but does not have a registered trademark. To succeed, it generally require…
What should I do if someone copies my brand?
The appropriate response depends on whether you hold a registered trademark and the nature of the copying. In many cases, early and proportionate contact can resolve…
What is a cease and desist letter?
A cease and desist letter is a formal communication requesting that another party stops using a mark or brand you believe infringes your rights. It outlines your pos…
Should I send a cease and desist letter?
In many situations, a well-drafted letter can resolve a dispute at an early stage. However, sending formal correspondence without first assessing the strength of you…
How much does it cost to deal with a trademark opposition or infringement?
The official UK IPO fees for filing a dispute are relatively low, typically starting from around £80. However, the overall cost can vary significantly depending on w…
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…
How do I reduce the scam emails and letters I receive?
Appoint a representative and use our Care of Address, so your own address is hidden from the public register. That cuts the mail at source, and it is included in rep…
How can I tell a genuine IPO letter from a scam?
The IPO will not chase you for payment via a random letter with a foreign bank account. Be wary of urgency, odd logos and unfamiliar web addresses. When in doubt, ch…
I think I have paid a scam, what should I do?
Stop any further payments, keep the correspondence, and contact us, we will help you work out what it was and what to do next.
Can I get a lapsed mark back?
Possibly, within a limited restoration window after expiry, but it is time-sensitive, so contact us as soon as you realise.
Does “Dead” mean my mark was rejected?
No, “Dead” simply means it is no longer live, usually because it was not renewed. It does not imply anything was wrong with the original application.
How do I protect my mark from cancellation?
Use it genuinely and keep dated evidence of how and where. Non-use for five years is the most common ground for removal.
Someone is trying to cancel my mark, what now?
Treat it like an opposition: strict deadlines, proper evidence. Get advice quickly, it is defensible with the right response.
Can I save my application instead of withdrawing?
Sometimes, narrowing the goods/services or arguing the point can rescue it. Check with us before you withdraw anything; withdrawal is final.
How much does it cost to defend an opposition?
It depends on the case, but it is far less than losing the brand you have built. Our representation packages start from £14/month and include triaging and guiding yo…
Can an opposition be settled without a fight?
Yes, many settle by agreement, often by narrowing the goods or services so both marks can coexist. We negotiate these regularly.
Can I appeal a refusal?
Often yes, or you may be able to amend or refile a better-prepared application. We can review the refusal reason and advise the best route.
How do I avoid refusal next time?
A proper clearance search and a well-drafted specification before filing prevent most refusals. That groundwork is part of what representation covers.
Can I respond to an objection myself?
You can, but the quality of the argument decides the outcome, and many unrepresented applicants end up withdrawing because they cannot answer it effectively. We draf…
Does an objection mean I have lost my application?
No, it is a request to argue or amend, not a refusal. You usually have two months to respond. Do not ignore it, though: no response means the application is treated…
What happens if I miss my renewal?
Your mark expires and, after a short grace period, is removed from the register — and the name can become available to others. There is a limited window to restore i…
Are renewal-reminder letters genuine?
Many are not. Scam “renewal” letters with urgent deadlines and bank details are extremely common. Always check with us before paying anything.
What happens if somebody applies for a similar trademark?
Their application is published for two months before it registers — that is your window to object. Monitoring alerts you in time to act; without it, you may only fin…
What happens if somebody starts trading with the same name?
That may be infringement of your registered rights. You can enforce them — typically a cease-and-desist first — but only if you catch it. Monitoring social media, do…
How do I monitor trademarks, social media and domains?
Register “watch” services flag new look-alike applications; you can also monitor company names, domains, marketplaces and social handles. We bundle monitoring into r…
What happens if somebody applies for a similar trademark?
If you are actively monitoring, you will be alerted while their application is published and can oppose it before it registers. Without monitoring, a confusingly sim…
What if somebody starts trading under my name?
As a registered owner you have the right to stop them — usually starting with a cease-and-desist, escalating if needed. But you have to spot it first, which is where…
Do I have to renew?
Yes — every ten years. We can manage renewals so your protection never lapses by accident.
Someone has opposed my mark — what should I do first?
Do not reply to anything or agree to anything before taking advice. Contact us and we will assess who is opposing and on what grounds, then recommend whether to defe…
Can I defend an opposition myself?
You can, but unrepresented applicants lose around three out of four. Proper handling — evidence, argument and on-time filings — changes the odds dramatically.
What happens if I receive an objection during publication?
An objection after publication is an opposition — a third party formally challenging your mark. There are strict deadlines and it needs a proper, evidenced response.…
How long is the opposition window?
Two months from publication, extendable to three if someone files a notice of threatened opposition. You can see the exact dates on your portal.
Will I get even more scam mail now?
Often, yes — publication makes you more visible. A representative’s Care of Address keeps your details off the register and reduces it.
What do I do if it goes past 21 days at examination?
It usually means the examiner has raised an objection. You will need to engage with the IPO directly, and if significant changes are required you may have to amend o…
What are “absolute” and “relative” grounds?
Absolute grounds are about your mark itself (is it distinctive, or too descriptive?). Relative grounds are about clashes with earlier marks. The examiner checks both.
Can an objection be overcome?
Often, yes — with a well-argued response or a sensible amendment. This is exactly the kind of thing a representative drafts day to day; packages start from £14/month.
Why am I suddenly getting official-looking letters?
Your name and address are now on the public register, so private companies target you with fee-paying ‘offers’. Most are scams. A representative’s Care of Address ke…
Can I change my application now it's filed?
You can narrow what you’ve applied for, but you can’t broaden it or swap the mark. That’s why getting it right before filing matters - if you’re unsure, talk to us b…
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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.
