An opposition is a formal challenge filed during the publication window, usually by an owner of an earlier similar mark. It is the highest-stakes moment in the process.
Only about 2% of applications are opposed, but the outcome is finely balanced: only around 49% of opposed marks still register. Handled well, with evidence, legal argument and on-time filings, many oppositions can be defended or settled. Handled alone, most are lost.
This is exactly where professional representation earns its place: represented applicants hold their marks far more often than those who go it alone.
What to do & be aware of
Deadlines are strict and unforgiving, a missed date can lose the case by default.
Many oppositions settle by negotiation (e.g. narrowing goods/services).
Get advice the moment you receive an opposition notice.
Contact us immediately through your portal if you are opposed.
Real cases at this stage
Trademark opposition cases from the UK courts and registry, from IWATCH to CHINA WHITE, and what each one means if you oppose or defend a mark.
It depends on the case, but it is far less than losing the brand you have built. Our representation packages start from £14/month and include triaging and guiding you through exactly this.
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.