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.
UK Trademark
Our Trademark Specialist handles your Trademark Application from search to registration. Whether its Brand Name Registration or logo, or tagline.
Trademark Cost Calculator
Free tool · No sign up What will your trademark actually cost? Work out the real cost of protecting your brand, in the UK…
How to Trademark a Business Name in the UK
A company name at Companies House isn't a trademark. How to protect your business name in the UK: what it costs, how long it takes, and a free search.
Self-Service vs The Trademark Helpline vs a Trademark Attorney
The honest comparison Doing it yourself, using us, or paying a trademark attorney. What the register actually shows. Every figure below comes from the…
Trademark Process
A clear, visual guide The trademark process, explained. From the day you file to the day you are registered — every stage, what happens,…
Free Trademark Guide
Download our free trademark Guide.
Trademark Your Name
Learn how to trademark your name with step-by-step guidance on eligibility, application process, and protecting your personal brand effectively.
Trademark Protection
Learn how to protect your trademark in the UK and EU. Our experts help safeguard your brand with legal advice, monitoring, and enforcement services.
Trademarking Your Logo
Want to trademark your logo in the UK? Protect your brand's visual identity with expert filing support. We handle the search, application, and registration for you.
Article30 Jun 2021Bass, the UK’s oldest trademark
The story behind the UK's oldest trademark, Bass beer.
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.
3 Feb 2025A Stress-Free Experience with The Trademark Helpline: Isabel’s Free From Success Story
Discover Isabel's stress-free trademark registration success with The Trademark Helpline. Experience expert guidance, seamless communication, and top-notch trademark…
3 Feb 2025Case Study – Grandma’s Kitchen
The Trademark Helpline client case study on Bolton based new business Grandma's Kitchen.
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…
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…
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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.
