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.
International Trademark Registration
Our specialists manage your Global Trademark Registration across multiple countries, providing expert advice and clear guidance on International Trademark Cost.
A Guide to European Community Trademarks
Learn how European Community Trademarks (now EU Trademarks) work, their benefits, and how to register your brand across the EU with this practical guide.
EU Trademark Registration
EU trademark registration made simple: one EU trademark application protects your brand across all 27 EU member states. UK specialists since 2008, fixed fee.
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.
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.
Article27 Jan 2026UK Trademark vs EU and International Trademarks: Understanding the Differences and Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Understand the differences between UK, EU and international trademarks, and learn how to avoid costly filing mistakes that leave your brand unprotected.
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…
Article23 Sep 2026Can You Protect Your Brand Abroad Later? How the Trademark Priority Period Works
How the trademark priority period works: file in the UK first, then take six months to file abroad and keep your original date. Apple's iPhone Duo shows how.
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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.
