TRADEMARK COUNTRIES

Since the departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union ('Brexit'), the UK is now one of the largest independent economies and trading partners for Australia in Europe. Protecting your brand with a trade mark registration in the UK is a crucial first step to building a strong foundation for long-term international growth and export success.

Why Register Your Trade Mark in the UK?

A trade mark in the United Kingdom grants you:

• Exclusive rights to use your brand for your registered goods or services across the UK.
• The legal tools to stop copycats and counterfeiters anywhere in the UK.
• The ability to take action in courts within the UK to enforce your rights.
• Border protection by recording your trade mark with UK Customs to stop counterfeits at the UK border.
• The right to use the ® symbol within the UK, showing that your brand is officially protected.

In short, a UK trade mark registration is a valuable business assets.

How the Process Works

We guide you through every step of the trade mark process in the UK:

1. Search & Advice – We check if your brand can be registered and is clear to use in the UK.
2. Application Filing – We prepare and lodge your application with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).
3. Examination & Publication – We manage status updates, examiner reports, objections, and possible oppositions.
4. Registration – We provide you with the UKIPO trade mark registration certificate and advise you on proper trade mark use in the UK.
5. Renewal – We remind you when renewal is due each ten (10) years.
6. Ongoing Support – We serve as your local representative in the UK, ensuring you receive all official correspondence.

What You Should Know

• Use is important: While you don’t need to show use when filing, you must use your trade mark in commerce in the UK to keep it valid. After a 5-year grace period, other traders may apply for full or partial cancellation of your trade mark based on non-use.
• Formality examination only: While the UKIPO examines your trade mark application to ensure it is lawful and distinctive, the UKIPO does not check if your trade mark conflicts with existing UK trade marks. Instead, it is up to the owners of existing trade marks to oppose registration of your trade mark.
• Monitoring required: Since the UKIPO does not refuse new trade mark applications based on a likelihood of confusion with existing trade marks, UK trade mark owners must actively monitor the UKIPO trade mark register and file oppositions to prevent registration of conflicting trade mark applications.
• Foreign applicants: If you are outside of the UK, you must appoint a representative in the UK to represent you before the UKIPO, manage your application and official correspondence.

Why Work With Us

We specialise in helping businesses protect their brands internationally, including in the UK. From the initial clearance searches to long-term brand strategy, we make the process clear, efficient, and strategic so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.