United Kingdom
Trademark Registration in the United Kingdom
UK trademarks are registered by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) under the Trade Marks Act 1994, as amended. A registered mark gives you exclusive rights for the goods and services in its classes across the United Kingdom. The UK is also a member of the Madrid System, so you can designate it through an international registration.
On this page
United Kingdom at a glance
- Registry
- UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO)
- Governing law
- Trade Marks Act 1994, as amended
- Coverage
- United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland
- Classification
- Nice Classification
- Filing language
- English
- Examination
- Absolute grounds examined; earlier marks checked in the search report, opposition handled separately
- Validity
- 10 years from filing date, renewable
- Madrid status
- Member; can be designated through WIPO
- Non-use revocation
- After 5 years from registration without genuine use
- Opposition period
- 2 months from publication, extendable
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Why register in the UK
Nationwide protection.
One registration covers the whole of the UK, one of the world's largest consumer markets.
Basis for enforcement.
Support for court action, customs action and online takedowns.
Strong commercial value.
Distributors, licensees, retailers and marketplaces ask for a registered mark.
Gateway to Europe.
UK rights are separate from EU rights, so the UK needs its own filing or a Madrid designation.
Our UK trademark services
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Clearance search
Checking the UK register for conflicting marks in your classes.
Application preparation
Classification, goods and services wording, address for service.
Filing and tracking
Filing with the UKIPO and monitoring each stage.
Examination responses and oppositions
Answering objections, defending or opposing marks.
Renewals and recordals
10-year renewals, assignments, changes of name or address.
Madrid designations
Designating the UK through WIPO, or using a UK filing as the basis for Madrid.
Registration process
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in the UK.
Clearance search
Check the UK register for conflicting marks before filing.
Application
File online with the UKIPO: mark, classes, goods and services, applicant details, address for service.
Examination
The UKIPO examines absolute grounds, such as distinctiveness, and issues an examination report if objections arise.
Publication
Accepted marks are published, opening a period for third-party opposition.
Opposition
Earlier rights holders may oppose on relative grounds. Opposition is decided by the UKIPO or the courts.
Registration
Certificate issued if the mark is not opposed or the opposition fails.
Renewal
Renew every 10 years before expiry.
Ready to file in United Kingdom?
File your trademarkStart your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Who can apply
- Anyone, UK-based or overseas, can apply directly.
- Applicants without a UK address must give an address for service in the UK.
- Madrid holders designating the UK through WIPO, without a separate UK application.
Documents required
Applicant details: name, company number if applicable, and address.
Mark representation: word, logo or other form, as filed.
Goods and services list by class, using acceptable terms.
Priority documents, if claiming priority from an earlier filing within 6 months.
UK trademark fees
Fees in USD. We confirm the full cost in writing before you instruct us.
| Service | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Filing/ Application fee(Online) | 280 |
| Each Additional Class | 80 |
* Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
- Examination: weeks from filing to first examination report.
- Opposition period: 2 months from publication, extendable.
- Total time to registration: months if not opposed.
- Validity: 10 years from filing date. Renew before expiry.
Validity and renewal
The trademark is protected for 10 years, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods by paying renewal fees.
Use, oppositions and revocation
- Registration does not depend on use at filing, but the mark can be revoked for non-use after 5 years from registration. Keep records of genuine use in the UK.
- Oppositions can be answered with evidence of use or prior rights.
Enforcing your UK trademark
- Cease-and-desist letters to infringing businesses.
- Civil action before the courts of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, for injunctions and damages.
- Customs action to detain counterfeit goods at the border.
- Criminal offences for counterfeit trade in some cases.
- Online takedowns using the registration certificate.
Client stories
Businesses that protected their brands in United Kingdom with us.
We highly recommends Legacy Partners for trademark registration and IP protection services in the United Kingdom. Their dedicated team ensured a hassle-free trademark filing process with reliable guidance, proper documentation support, and excellent communication at every stage. Their professionalism and expertise in international trademark services made the entire experience seamless.
Client, United KingdomTrademark registration in United Kingdom
Working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration in the UK was a smooth and efficient experience for Cochin Snacks. Their knowledgeable team handled the trademark filing process professionally with excellent coordination and prompt updates throughout. We highly appreciate their commitment to brand protection and intellectual property services.
Client, United KingdomTrademark registration in United Kingdom
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Frequently asked questions
Who registers trademarks in the UK?
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Does a UK registration cover the whole UK?
Yes.
How long does registration take?
months where there is no opposition.
How long is a UK trademark valid?
10 years from filing date, renewable.
Can an overseas company file in the UK?
Yes, but it must give an address for service in the UK.
What if my mark is not used?
It can be revoked for non-use after 5 years from registration.
Is the UK part of EU trademark protection?
No. Post-Brexit, UK trademarks require separate filing.
What if my mark is not used?
No, but non-use for 5 years may lead to cancellation.
Can foreign companies register UK trademarks?
Yes, without nationality restrictions.
Is a UK mark the same as an EU mark?
No. UK and EU trademarks are separate rights, each needing its own filing or designation.
Can UK trademarks be renewed?
Yes, every 10 years with no limit on renewals.
What is the best trademark registration provider in the UK?
Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) is widely regarded as one of the best trademark registration providers in the UK, offering comprehensive and professional intellectual property services to both local and international clients.
Insights on United Kingdom IP protection
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Our trademark consultants confirm the classes, route and full cost in writing before filing.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
