Ways to work with us
Ways to work with us

Terms and Conditions of Service

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1. Definitions

“Company” refers to 84i Limited, trading as The Trademark Helpline. “Client” refers to any business or individual engaging the services of the Company. “Services” refers to the trademark services provided by the Company, including but not limited to trademark searches, applications, renewals, oppositions, and consultations as detailed in Section 3. “Agreement” refers to the contract formed between the Company and the Client for the provision of Services, which is formalised either through written acceptance of these terms via email or by making payment following the terms and conditions having been made available. “Subscription” refers to the ongoing service packages (Lite, Core, Elite) offered by the Company. “Upfront Payment” refers to the payment made by the Client prior to the commencement of Services. “Direct Debit” refers to the automatic payment method set up through GoCardless for subscription services.

2. Agreement to Terms

By providing written acceptance of these terms via email or by making payment following the terms and conditions having been made available, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

  • When signing off on orders, the Client agrees to these terms and conditions.
  • GoCardless is our direct debit payment method and is only required for subscription services. This is because continuous authority is necessary to ensure payments are received without delays or interruptions, enabling us to avoid pursuing late subscription payments.
  • Subscriptions can also be paid upfront for the minimum service period, with discounts applied:
    • A 12-month subscription paid upfront will be charged the equivalent of 10 months.
    • A 6-month subscription paid upfront will be charged the equivalent of 5.5 months.
  • Non-subscription services can be paid via any method preferred by the Client.

3. Services

Pre-Registration Services

  • Brand Audit: An analysis of the Client’s existing trademarks and brand presence to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential risks. (1 hour)

Registration Services

  • UK Trademark Application: Preparation and filing of trademark applications with the relevant intellectual property offices. (4 hours)
  • Additional UK Applications: Preparation and filing of supplementary UK trademark applications. (3.5 hours)
  • EU Trademark Application: Handling applications in the EU, including working with EU Trademark Attorneys. (8 hours)
  • Additional EU Applications: Additional EU trademark filings. (7 hours)
  • International Trademark Applications: Hours based on jurisdiction (Quote on Request)

Renewal Services

  • UK Trademark Renewals: Managing the renewal process for existing UK trademark registrations. (3 hours)
  • Additional UK Renewal: Managing additional renewals for UK trademarks. (3 hours)
  • EU Trademark Renewal: Handling EU trademark renewals. (8 hours)
  • Additional EU Renewal: Managing additional renewals for EU trademarks. (7 hours)

Dispute and Enforcement Services

  • Trademark Opposition: Filing or defending against trademark oppositions during the registration process. (6 hours)
  • Trademark Invalidation: Assisting in invalidating third-party trademarks that conflict with the Client’s trademarks. (6 hours)
  • Cease & Desist Letter: Drafting and sending letters to third parties demanding they cease infringing activities. (1 hour)
  • Website Takedown: Assistance in removing infringing content from websites. (1 hour)
  • Social Media Takedown: Assistance in removing infringing content from social media platforms. (1 hour)
  • Companies House Correction: Assistance in correcting trademark-related records at Companies House. (1 hour)

Subscription Services

  • Trademark Monitoring: Ongoing surveillance of trademarks to identify potential infringements or unauthorized use. (1 hour per month)

4. Fees and Payment

  • Hourly Rate:
    • New Customers: £99 per hour
    • Existing Customers: £79 per hour
    • Core Subscription Customers: £69 per hour
    • Elite Subscription Customers: £59 per hour
  • Subscription Hours:
    • Hours included in subscription tiers do not roll over between quarters.
    • For contentious matters, additional hours may be provided at the Company’s discretion.
    • 15 minutes or below are free of charge; tasks of 16 minutes or more are absorbed into existing hours.
  • Renewal Notification: Clients will be notified 14 days in advance of subscription renewal.
  • Termination Fee: The termination fee is discretionary up to a maximum of £99. Refunds will be issued on a pro-rata basis for unused subscription services.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client is responsible for:

  • Providing accurate and timely information necessary for the provision of Services within the agreed timescales.
  • Ensuring that all trademark applications or related actions are lawful and do not infringe on third-party rights.
  • The Company is not liable for delays caused by the Client’s failure to provide requested information.

6. Confidentiality

  • The Company will maintain the confidentiality of all Client information unless required to disclose such information by law or when dealing with intellectual property offices (IPOs) and other representatives as part of service delivery.
  • The Client agrees to keep confidential all proprietary information regarding the Company’s methods, practices, and fees.

7. Limitation of Liability

  • The Company does not guarantee the success of any of the services provided, including but not limited to trademark searches, applications, renewals, or oppositions.
  • The outcome of trademark services is subject to factors beyond the Company’s control, including decisions by intellectual property offices and third parties.
  • The Company will under no circumstances be held liable for third-party fees collected on behalf of the Client, including but not limited to IPO registration fees, overseas representatives, or third-party software charges.
  • If services in the UK are unsuccessful, the Company will pursue arbitration. For court proceedings, the Company will refer the Client to a solicitor or liaise with a solicitor of their choosing. For overseas services, the Company will liaise with a local representative/solicitor or one of the Client’s choosing.

8. Termination

  • Either party may terminate this Agreement with 30 days’ written notice.
  • In the event of termination, the Client shall pay for all Services rendered up to the date of termination.
  • The termination fee is discretionary, up to a maximum of £99. Refunds will be issued on a pro-rata basis for unused subscription services.
  • Fees for ongoing or incomplete tasks at the time of termination will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

9. Dispute Resolution

  • Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall first be resolved amicably through negotiation.
  • If unresolved, the dispute will be referred to mediation under the laws of England and Wales.
  • If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes will be referred to arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act 1996.

10. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

11. Amendments

The Company reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Clients will be notified of any significant changes, and such changes will be clearly communicated.

12. FAQs

  • For additional clarification, please refer to our FAQs.
  • FAQs are provided for informational purposes only and do not form part of this Agreement unless explicitly stated.

Final Statement

The Company will review any issues or disputes on a case-by-case basis and will always endeavour to find a fair resolution for all parties involved.