The Trademark Registration Process in the UK and how we can support you

1. Conduct a trademark search: Before applying for a trademark, it's important to conduct a thorough search to ensure that your proposed trademark is not already registered or similar to existing trademarks. At Patent Outsourcing we undertake a detailed search of similar trademarks and examine your trademark as a whole, to advise you of the risks of any potential objections by the UKIPO during examination, or from 3^rd parties during the Opposition period.

2. Determine the appropriate trademark class: Trademarks are categorised into different NICE classes based on the types of goods or services they present. If you are unsure as to the goods, services or classes that your trademark should protect we can advise you based on your current and future business plan, and provide you with an application proposal prior to filling the application so that you can make an informed decision on the application.

3. Create your trademark application: With the information gather or provided above, we will file your trademark application for you. We will also update you on the progress of your application throughout the registration timeline.

4. Application Examination: Once your application is submitted, the IPO will examine it to ensure compliance with legal requirements. They will review the trademark's distinctiveness and similarity to existing trademarks. If an objection or question is raised by the IPO we will advise you of the notification and move to resolve the query swiftly to ensure the timely progression of your application. The examination stage can take several weeks.

5. Publication and opposition period: If your application passes the examination, your trademark will be published in the IPO's Trade Marks Journal, giving others an opportunity to oppose the registration within two months. If no opposition is raised or successfully defended, your trademark will proceed to registration. If opposition is received we notify you and continue to represent and defend your trademark and walk you through the opposition process.

6. Trademark registration: If no opposition is raised or successfully defended during the opposition period, the IPO will issue a Certificate of Registration for your trademark. This grants you exclusive rights to use the trademark in relation to the specified goods or services.

7. Once registered we will continue to represent you and your trademark, notifying you of any potentially infringing trademarks or conflicting trademarks that you can oppose. Along with supporting you in licencing or assigning/ transferring your trademark as your business grows. We will also notify you when your trademark is due to be renewed after 10 years

Note: It's recommended to seek legal advice or assistance from a trademark attorney or professional during the registration process to ensure your application is properly prepared and increases the chances of successful registration.

If you would like to discuss the registration or protection of your trademark, or if you would like us to take over the representation of your trademark then please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced attorneys at Patent Protect by email by telephone +01629 700363, or by sending us a message and we will be happy to advise and support you.