Merging trade marks

You can merge, or combine, two or more separate applications or registrations into a single trade mark. You cannot apply to merge a mixture of applications and registrations together.

You cannot reverse the merger process.

To merge applications

You can merge applications, as long as all the following conditions apply. All the applications must:

• not have been advertised

• have the same application date

• be for the same marks

• all have the same owner

To merge registered marks

You can merge registered marks, as long as all the following conditions apply. All the marks must:

• be registered marks, we cannot merge expired marks

• be for the same marks

• all have the same owner

Your registered marks do not have to have the same application or registration dates. If we do merge the marks the remaining registration will be one with the highest number (except where marks claimed priority dates from an overseas application).

If you want to merge registrations into a single registration before you renew it, please send us your merger request (form TM17 (165Kb)) at least a month before you send us your renewal request (form TM11 (26Kb)).

The advantage of merging marks is that you only have to pay one renewal fee (plus any additional class fees) instead of separate fees for each mark.

The disadvantage of merging marks is that you will lose the filing date of the older marks, and your rights will only go back to the date of the newest application.

To apply for a merger

you must send us:

Form TM17 (165Kb) - Request to merge.

There is no fee for applying for a merger.