About trade marks

Frequently asked questions

Use of trade marks

• Can I register a name without a logo as a trade mark?
• If I register a logo in black and white, does that mean that the registered trade mark would be valid for all colours, or do I need to specify colours that I intend to use?
• Would joining two words together or keeping a space between two words be considered as a series?
• Does my ownership of the domain name, which dates back many years, secure my ownership of the name as my brand?
• If a trade mark status shows "expired" would I be successful in registering it as a new trade mark application, or could the previous registered owner oppose?
• How can I check if well known catch phrases have been registered as trade marks?
• Do I need to indicate the font type when I apply for a trade mark?
• How do I register initials as a trade mark?
• What are series marks and how many can I apply for in one application?
• What if there are earlier conflicting marks?
• Are there any other words that cannot be registered as trade marks?

Registration process

• How long does it take to register?
• Can I register an identical mark under different classes?

Overseas use

• I want to use my trade mark in countries other than the United Kingdom; do I need to apply directly to the Trade Mark Office in each country?
• Apart from the cost and the geographic scope of protection, are there any fundamental differences between a community trade mark (CTM) and a UK trade mark?
• If I wish to trade in the EU or on a worldwide basis - will my trade mark still be valid?

Infringement

• What is trade mark infringement?

Renewals

• When do I need to renew my trade mark and how do I do this?

General issues

• I've received a document that looks like an invoice for an application for a Community Trade Mark (CTM) or to be placed on another trade mark register. Do I have to pay this?
• Am I breaking the law by using "TM" on my trade mark?
• Can I save money by protecting my name using copyright law?
• What if businesses fail to register their trade marks?
• Do businesses have to use their trade mark immediately?
• Is it only limited companies that can register trade marks?
• What is the difference between a brand and a trade mark?