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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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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.
