Intellectual Property Office
Trademark registration in United Kingdom
Everything you need to register your brand. 7 steps, 4–6 mo average timeline.
Registration steps
Use the IPO’s free search at trademarks.ipo.gov.uk. Free ‘Right Start’ examiner review available.
Right Start costs nothing extra and gives examiner feedback. Highly recommended.
Define mark type, select Nice classes, draft goods/services descriptions.
Post-Brexit, UK marks don’t cover the EU. File separately with EUIPO.
Apply at gov.uk/register-a-trademark. £170 for one class + £50 per additional.
Second class is only £50 — consider broader protection.
IPO examines both absolute and relative grounds — one of the few offices that checks both.
The IPO proactively flags conflicts and notifies both parties.
2 months to respond. Amend, argue distinctiveness, or provide evidence.
IPO examiners are helpful — request a phone consultation.
Published in TM Journal for 2-month opposition period.
A ‘notice of threatened opposition’ extends the period by 1 month.
If unopposed, IPO issues certificate. Protection starts from filing date.
Renewal every 10 years. Set your own reminder 6 months before.
Need professional help?
Connect with verified trademark attorneys experienced in United Kingdom registrations.
gov.uk/ipo