Guide
Register a trademark
Protect your business name, logo, or slogan by registering a UK trademark with the Intellectual Property Office.
A trademark protects your brand identity. Register a trademark to get exclusive rights to use your business name, logo, or slogan for the goods or services you sell. You can take legal action against anyone who uses your trademark without permission.
You can trademark words, sounds, logos, colours, or combinations of these. Registration lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Before you apply
Search the UK trademark register to check your proposed mark is available. If your mark is identical or similar to an existing trademark in the same class of goods or services, your application will be rejected.
You cannot register a trademark that is:
- offensive or against the law
- descriptive of the goods or services (for example 'cotton' for clothing)
- misleading about the goods or services
- a common word or phrase in the trade
- a 3D shape that adds value or is functional
- a protected emblem, flag, or official symbol without permission
Choosing your trademark classes
Trademarks are registered in classes - categories of goods or services. You pay for each class you register in.
Choose classes based on what you currently sell and plan to sell in the next 5 years. Common classes for businesses:
- Class 9: Software, apps, downloadable content, electronics
- Class 25: Clothing, footwear, headwear
- Class 35: Retail services, advertising, business consultancy
- Class 41: Education, training, entertainment services
- Class 42: Software development, IT services, web hosting
- Class 43: Restaurant, café, hotel services
There are 45 classes in total. If you are unsure which classes apply to your business, use the IPO's classification search tool or consult a trademark attorney.
Tech businesses typically need Classes 9 and 42
Most software and tech businesses need Class 9 (software products, apps, downloadable content) and Class 42 (software as a service, IT consulting, web development). This costs £220 total (£170 + £50 for second class). Register both to fully protect your brand across products and services.
Creative businesses should consider multiple classes
Design agencies, photographers, and creative studios often need Class 35 (advertising and marketing services), Class 41 (entertainment, photography services), and Class 42 (design services). Protect your studio name and distinctive work marks. Register your trademark before announcing your brand publicly or filing design right applications.
Retailers need Class 35 for retail services
If you sell products, register in Class 35 (retail services) plus any classes for products you make yourself. If you only resell other brands' products, you may only need Class 35. If you manufacture your own products, register in the relevant product classes too (Class 25 for clothing, Class 30 for food products, etc.).
Application options
The IPO offers two application types:
- Standard application (£170): Full examination after you submit. If there are problems, you have 2 months to fix them.
- Right Start (£100 initial): Get preliminary feedback before committing. Pay another £100 to proceed if your mark is likely to succeed. Useful if you're unsure whether your mark will be accepted.
Paper applications cost £200 for one class. Apply online to save £30.
After you apply
The application process takes 3 to 4 months if there are no objections:
- Examination (2-3 weeks): The IPO checks your application and sends an examination report
- Objection period (2 months): If there are problems, you have 2 months to respond
- Publication (2 months): Your application is published in the Trade Marks Journal for third parties to oppose
- Registration: If no one opposes, your trademark registers automatically
About 60% of applications receive examiner objections. Most are resolved by amending the application or providing arguments.
International protection
UK trademark registration only protects your mark in the UK. For international protection, you have two main options:
- EU trademark (EUIPO): Single registration covering all 27 EU member states. Costs €850 for one class online.
- Madrid System: Register in up to 131 countries through WIPO using your UK trademark as a base. UK handling fee is £40 plus WIPO fees (basic fee 653 CHF, varies by country).
Consider international protection before launching in other markets - trademark rights are territorial, and some countries operate 'first to file' systems where whoever registers first gets the rights.
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Search existing trademarks
Check the UK trademark register to ensure your proposed mark is not already registered or too similar to an existing mark. This avoids wasted application fees and legal disputes.
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Choose your trademark classes
Identify which Nice Classification classes cover your goods and services. Use the IPO's classification search tool if unsure. Most businesses need 1-3 classes.
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Apply online through the IPO
Submit your trademark application online (£170 for one class, £50 per additional class). Include a clear representation of your mark and list of goods/services. Allow 3-4 months for registration.
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Renew every 10 years
Set a reminder to renew your trademark before it expires. Renewal costs £200 per class. You can renew from 6 months before expiry until 6 months after (with £50 late fee).