Even after registration, a third party can try to remove your mark, by invalidation (arguing it should never have been registered) or revocation (for example, that it has not been genuinely used for five years). These are sometimes loosely called ‘cancellation’.
It is uncommon, well under 1% of registered marks face this, but it is serious, because you could lose a right you have been relying on. Using your mark properly and keeping evidence of use is the best protection.
What to do & be aware of
Keep dated evidence of how and where you use your mark.
Non-use for five years leaves a mark vulnerable to revocation.
A cancellation action must be defended like an opposition, promptly and properly.
We can defend cancellation actions and advise on protecting your registration.
Figures are derived from analysis of the public UK Intellectual Property Office trademark register (applications filed 2015 to 2023, a settled cohort of 1,340,875 marks). They describe the typical journey of a UK trademark application and are for general information, every application is different.