Trademark Registration Process in the UK: 8 Stages Explained

Are you looking to register a trademark in the UK? Here’s a step-by-step guide on the trademark registration process, along with how Sort My Mark supports you at each stage. From planning to post-registration support, our expert team makes trademark registration easy and efficient, helping UK businesses protect their brand.

Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Planning

  • Identifying Your Trademark Needs and Classes
    To start your trademark registration, define your goods or services, selecting the appropriate trademark classes for your brand protection.

    . How Sort My Mark Helps: We guide you through choosing the correct trademark classes to protect your business in all relevant areas.

Stage 2: Comprehensive Trademark Search

  1. Conducting a Trademark Search
    Before applying, check the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) database to confirm your trademark’s availability and reduce the risk of conflicts.

    • How Sort My Mark Helps: Our thorough trademark search helps avoid potential rejections or oppositions, offering insights on modifying your brand if similar marks exist.

Stage 3: Preparing Your Trademark Application

  1. Compiling Trademark Details and Class Selections
    Gather essential details like names, slogans, or logos for your application and finalize your trademark classes.

    • How Sort My Mark Helps: We ensure your application is complete and compliant with UKIPO standards, enhancing accuracy and minimizing delays.

Stage 4: Choosing Your Trademark Application Type

  1. Deciding Between Standard and Right Start Application
    Choose between the Standard Application (£170 for one class, £50 for each additional class) and the Right Start Application (£200 total, with £100 upfront).

    • How Sort My Mark Helps: We help you select the best application type for your budget and timeline, explaining the costs and benefits of each.

Stage 5: Submission of Trademark Application

  1. Submitting Your Application to UKIPO
    Submit your completed application to the UK Intellectual Property Office for review.

    • How Sort My Mark Helps: Our team handles the filing process, ensuring your application is submitted accurately and promptly.

Stage 6: IPO Examination (Approx. 2 Weeks)

  1. UKIPO Examination of Your Trademark Application
    The IPO examines your application for conflicts and compliance with legal standards.

    • How Sort My Mark Helps: We monitor the examination process, communicating with the IPO on your behalf to promptly resolve any issues.

Stage 7: Publication and Opposition Period (Approx. 2 Months)

  1. Publication in the UK Trade Marks Journal
    If approved, the IPO publishes your trademark for a 2-month opposition period, during which others can challenge your application.

    • How Sort My Mark Helps: We track the publication period and assist with opposition management, supporting you in negotiations or defense if an objection arises.

Stage 8: Trademark Registration, Certification, and Post-Registration Support (Approx. 1 Month After Publication)

  1. Final Registration and Enforcing Your Trademark Rights
    Once any opposition is resolved, the IPO registers your trademark and issues a certificate, officially granting you trademark rights in the UK.

    • How Sort My Mark Helps: We provide guidance on enforcing your rights, including monitoring for infringement and advising on licensing.

Ongoing Trademark Renewal and Maintenance

Trademark Renewal
Trademarks last for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year increments.

  • How Sort My Mark Helps: We send renewal reminders well in advance, assisting with the renewal process to keep your trademark active.

Estimated Total Timeline for UK Trademark Registration: 3 to 6 Months

The UK trademark registration process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as examination time and potential oppositions. With Sort My Mark’s professional guidance, we help UK businesses navigate each step with confidence, ensuring a streamlined and effective trademark registration journey.

For example

  • January 1 - January 14: Initial Consultation and Planning

  • January 15 - January 21: Comprehensive Trademark Search

  • January 22 - February 5: Application Preparation

  • February 6 - February 10: Choosing Application Type

  • February 11 - February 14: Submission to the IPO

  • February 15 - February 28: IPO Examination

  • March 1 - April 30: Publication and Opposition Period

  • May 1 - May 15: Registration and Certification

Trademark Registration Process in the UK: 8 Stages Explained