Trademark Registration Process in the UK: 8 Simple Steps
Thinking about registering your trademark in the UK? We've simplified the process into an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. Discover how Sort My Mark supports you through every stage—from initial trademark searches to successful registration and beyond. Our expert guidance ensures the protection of your brand quickly, smoothly, and efficiently, empowering UK businesses with reliable trademark solutions.
STAGE 1
Initial Consultation and Planning
Define Your Trademark Needs and Classes
Clearly outline your goods or services to accurately choose the right trademark classes, ensuring full brand protection.
How Sort My Mark Helps
We offer expert guidance to identify the ideal trademark classes for your business, saving you time, preventing costly mistakes, and strengthening your trademark protection from the start.
STAGE 2
Comprehensive Trademark Search
Why Conduct a Trademark Search?
Before filing, it's essential to check existing trademarks in the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) database. This step confirms your trademark’s availability and significantly reduces the risk of costly legal conflicts.
How Sort My Mark Helps
We perform an extensive trademark search to identify potential conflicts or similarities, providing clear insights and expert recommendations. This ensures your application has the highest chance of success, helping you confidently protect your brand.
STAGE 3
Preparing Your Trademark Application
Compiling Trademark Details and Class Selections
Clearly define your brand’s trademarks—names, slogans, logos—and confirm your selected trademark classes. Precise details at this stage greatly improve your application's success rate.
How Sort My Mark Helps
Our experts carefully prepare and verify every aspect of your application, ensuring full compliance with UKIPO guidelines. We help you avoid common pitfalls, minimize processing delays, and strengthen your trademark application
STAGE 4
Choosing Your Trademark Application Type
Deciding Between Standard and Right Start Application
Choose between the Standard Application (£170 for one class, £50 for each additional class) and the Right Start Application (£200 total, with £100 upfront).
How Sort My Mark Helps
We help you select the best application type for your budget and timeline, explaining the costs and benefits of each.
STAGE 5
Submission of Trademark Application
Submitting Your Application to UKIPO
Submit your completed application to the UK Intellectual Property Office for review.
How Sort My Mark Helps
Our team handles the filing process, ensuring your application is submitted accurately and promptly.
STAGE 6
IPO Examination (Approx. 2 Weeks)
UKIPO Examination of Your Trademark Application
The IPO examines your application for conflicts and compliance with legal standards.
How Sort My Mark Helps
We monitor the examination process, communicating with the IPO on your behalf to promptly resolve any issues.
STAGE 7
Publication and Opposition Period (Approx. 2 Months)
Publication in the UK Trade Marks Journal
If approved, the IPO publishes your trademark for a 2-month opposition period, during which others can challenge your application.
How Sort My Mark Helps
We track the publication period and assist with opposition management, supporting you in negotiations or defense if an objection arises.
STAGE 8
Trademark Registration, Certification, and Post-Registration Support (Approx. 1 Month After Publication)
Final Registration and Enforcing Your Trademark Rights
Once any opposition is resolved, the IPO registers your trademark and issues a certificate, officially granting you trademark rights in the UK.
How Sort My Mark Helps
We provide guidance on enforcing your rights, including monitoring for infringement and advising on licensing.
Ongoing Trademark Renewal and Maintenance
Trademark Renewal
Trademarks last for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year increments.
How Sort My Mark Helps:
We send renewal reminders well in advance, assisting with the renewal process to keep your trademark active.
Estimated Total Timeline for UK Trademark Registration: 3 to 6 Months
The UK trademark registration process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as examination time and potential oppositions. With Sort My Mark’s professional guidance, we help UK businesses navigate each step with confidence, ensuring a streamlined and effective trademark registration journey.
For example
January 1 - January 14: Initial Consultation and Planning
January 15 - January 21: Comprehensive Trademark Search
January 22 - February 5: Application Preparation
February 6 - February 10: Choosing Application Type
February 11 - February 14: Submission to the IPO
February 15 - February 28: IPO Examination
March 1 - April 30: Publication and Opposition Period
May 1 - May 15: Registration and Certification