Before you apply

Before making your application, read our booklets, Trade marks essential reading (1.54Mb) and Applying to register a trade mark (1.84Mb) and ask yourself the following questions:

Are you aware of the requirements for trade mark registration?

You have to meet our requirements before we register your trade mark. Here we help you understand what we will accept and what we reject.

Is your trade mark already registered?

You can check to see whether your proposed application is already registered.

Are you aware of the different kinds of marks?

Trade marks make up the majority of the marks accepted by the Registrar. However, there are also special marks to indicate particular standards for goods or that the owner of the mark is a member of an organisation.

Is your company name registered with Companies House?

Registering a company name at Companies House does not mean we will automatically accept that name as a trade mark.

Have you received enough advice?

You can get confidential advice about your proposed application from us and other professional bodies.

Have you considered protection abroad?

A UK trade mark will only give protection in the UK. Check out the alternatives if you are thinking of protection abroad.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a trade mark application starts at £200 with an additional £50 payable per additional class.

The Process

We have prepared a step-by-step guide to the process of a trade mark application to tell you what will happen before you apply.

Are you the owner?

Anyone may apply to register a trade mark, although if you are not the proprietor the application may be opposed on the basis that it was made in bad faith or, on the basis of an unregistered or registered right

If you have decided to apply for a registered trade mark, continue to apply for a trade mark