Protect your brand
Your name and logo are among the most valuable assets of your business. A registered trade mark gives you an exclusive right in the UK – and protects you from having to rebrand later because someone else got there first.
Why trade mark protection matters
Registering a company name with Companies House or buying a domain does not give you trade mark rights. Without registration you can only rely on “passing off”, which is costly to prove. A registered trade mark lets you act against copycats and is an asset that investors look for.
Register a UK trade mark with the IPO
You apply online to the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for the classes of goods and services you use. Since 1 April 2026, an online application costs £205 for one class and £60 for each additional class. After examination, the application is published and others have two months to oppose it (extendable to three). A registration lasts ten years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Search the trade mark register before you apply. Only use the ® symbol for registered marks – using it for an unregistered mark is an offence.
Expanding to the EU and beyond
A UK trade mark only protects you in the UK, and since Brexit an EU trade mark no longer covers the UK. If you sell in the EU, apply to the EUIPO as well; for several countries, the international system under the Madrid Protocol can be efficient. planix helps you plan protection in your target markets.
Frequently asked questions
Does a UK trade mark also protect me in the EU?
No. A UK trade mark only applies in the UK. For the EU you need an EU trade mark from the EUIPO, or an international registration under the Madrid Protocol designating the EU.
Is registering a trade mark worthwhile at the start?
Often yes – especially if your brand is central to your business or you are planning investment. Registering early is cheaper than a dispute or a forced rebrand later.
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