How to Register a Trademark in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about registering a trademark in the UK: what it means, how the process works, what it costs, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a startup, a growing business, or an established company expanding internationally, this guide will help you understand how to protect your intellectual property effectively.

Protecting your brand is one of the smartest business decisions you can make. A strong brand builds trust, recognition, and loyalty, but without a registered trademark, your brand is vulnerable to misuse or imitation.

What Is a Trademark and Why Register One?

A trademark is a sign that identifies your goods or services and distinguishes them from those of your competitors. It can include:

• Words or phrases (like “Just Do It” or “Tesco”)
• Logos or symbols (e.g., Apple’s bitten apple)
• Colours, sounds, or even 3D shapes
• A combination of any of the above

Registering a trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) gives you exclusive rights to use it for specific goods and services in the UK.

Key Benefits of Trademark Registration

• Exclusive Rights – Only you (or your business) can use your mark for the registered categories.
• Legal Protection – You can take legal action under the Trade Marks Act 1994 against anyone using your brand without permission.
• Commercial Value – Trademarks can be licensed, franchised, or sold like other business assets.
• Brand Recognition – It builds trust and professionalism with customers and investors.
• Deters Copycats – Registration is public, discouraging others from using similar marks.

Without registration, you only have limited “passing off” rights — which are harder, slower, and more expensive to enforce in court.

You can read more about what qualifies as a trademark on the UK Government’s IPO guide.

Who Can Register a Trademark in the UK?

Almost anyone with a brand can apply — including individuals, sole traders, partnerships, or companies.

You can register a trademark if:

• You are using it or plan to use it in business.
• It is unique and not confusingly similar to an existing mark.
• It’s not descriptive (for example, you can’t register “Best Burgers” for a burger restaurant).

If you operate in multiple countries, you may later apply for protection under the Madrid Protocol, extending your UK registration internationally through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Trademark in the UK

Step 1: Check That Your Trademark Is Unique

Before you apply, you must ensure your proposed mark isn’t already registered by someone else. Use the UK IPO Trademark Search tool to look for:

• Identical marks in the same or similar classes.
• Marks with similar wording, sound, or visual appearance.

If you find a similar trademark, don’t assume it’s safe to proceed — seek guidance on how to modify your application or assess the risk.

Tip: Searching social media handles, domain names, and online business directories can uncover potential conflicts not yet registered with the IPO.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Trademark Classes

Trademarks are registered under “Nice Classes”, which categorise different goods and services. There are 45 classes in total:

• Classes 1–34 cover goods (e.g., clothing, cosmetics, software).
• Classes 35–45 cover services (e.g., advertising, education, legal advice).

You must choose the correct classes — your protection only applies to the ones you select.

You can browse all classes using the IPO’s classification guide.

Example:

• A bakery might register under Class 30 (baked goods) and Class 43 (food services).
• A tech business might need Class 9 (software) and Class 42 (IT consultancy).

Tip: Choosing too few classes leaves you unprotected; too many can be unnecessarily costly. If you need assistance selecting the correct categories, our business formation team can help ensure your registration covers all relevant areas.

Step 3: Check That Your Trademark Is Eligible

Not every mark can be registered. The IPO will reject applications that:

• Describe your goods or services (e.g., “fresh”, “eco-friendly”).
• Use common or generic words.
• Mislead the public (e.g., “organic” when it isn’t).
• Contain offensive or illegal language.
• Include national flags or official emblems.

It’s best to refine your mark before applying — small design or wording changes can often make it distinctive enough to be accepted.

Step 4: Prepare and Submit Your Application

Once you’ve chosen your mark and classes, you can apply through the UK IPO online portal.

You’ll need to provide:

• The representation of your mark (word, logo, sound file, etc.)
• Your name and address (individual or business)
• The classes of goods and services
• A description of how the mark will be use

Application Fees (2025):

• £170 for one class
• £50 for each additional class

You can also choose the Right Start service, which lets you pay half the fee initially to check your eligibility before paying the remainder.

Step 5: IPO Examination

Once submitted, your application goes through examination.

• An IPO examiner checks that your application meets all legal requirements under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
• You’ll receive an Examination Report within roughly 20 working days.
• If there are any issues (for example, similarity to an existing mark), you’ll have two months to respond.

If your application is accepted, it proceeds to publication.

Step 6: Publication and Opposition Period

After passing the examination, your mark is published in the UK Trade Marks Journal for two months.

During this time, third parties can oppose your application if they believe it infringes on their rights.

If no one objects, or if any objections are resolved in your favour, your mark proceeds to registration.

MAR Legal’s team can help you prepare a written defence or reach a negotiated settlement during this stage.

Step 7: Registration and Certificate

Once approved, your trademark is formally registered and published again in the Journal. You’ll receive a digital certificate of registration confirming your rights to use the mark in the UK.

Your registration lasts for 10 years, and can be renewed indefinitely by paying a renewal fee every decade.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering A Trademark in the UK

What Happens After Registration?

Once registered, your trademark becomes a valuable business asset. Here’s what to do next:

• Use it consistently across your website, packaging, and social media.
• Monitor for misuse or imitation — you can set IPO trademark alerts.
• Renew on time every 10 years.
• Expand protection internationally if your business grows overseas.

You can also record your mark with the UK Border Force to help prevent counterfeit imports.

Trademark Enforcement: Your Legal Rights

Once registered, you gain exclusive rights to use your mark in the UK for the specified goods or services.

You can take action against anyone who:

• Uses an identical or confusingly similar mark
• Misleads customers or damages your brand reputation

Trademark enforcement is governed by the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Legal remedies include:

• Injunctions to stop infringement
• Compensation or account of profits
• Seizure or destruction of infringing goods

How Long Does the Process Take?

From start to finish, the process typically takes around three to four months, assuming no objections or oppositions.

Stage	Approxmiate Timeframe
Pre-application search	1-5 days
IPO examination	2-3 weeks
Publication period	2 months
Final registration	1-2 weeks after publication

You can track your application status on the IPO Trademark Register.

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Example: Trademark Success Story

A Manchester-based vegan bakery named Green Crumb registered its name and logo under classes 30 (baked goods) and 43 (food services).

A competitor later launched The Green Crumbly Café. Because Green Crumb had registered trademarks, they were able to issue a legal notice through their lawyer and the competitor was required to change its name — protecting their reputation and avoiding confusion.

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How MAR Legal’s Legal Team Can Help

At MAR Legal, we provide clear, affordable support for individuals and businesses registering trademarks in the UK.

Our experienced team helps with:

• Pre-application searches and risk assessments
• Selecting correct classes of goods and services
• Preparing and submitting your IPO application
• Responding to examination reports or objections
• Renewing and managing your trademark portfolio

We also assist with international trademark registration through the Madrid Protocol for businesses expanding abroad.

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FAQs: Registering a Trademark in the UK

Further Resources and Reading

For more guidance on trademarks and intellectual property protection:

• UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) – Official UK government site for IP registration and management.
• Trade Marks Journal – Weekly publication of new trademark applications.
• WIPO Madrid System – Information on international trademark protection.
• UK Government: Passing Off – Understanding unregistered rights and brand protection.
• Companies House – Registering and managing your company name in the UK.