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.

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STAGE 1

Initial Consultation and Planning

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Define Your Trademark Needs and Classes

Clearly outline your goods or services to accurately choose the right trademark classes, ensuring full brand protection.

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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.

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STAGE 2

Comprehensive Trademark Search

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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.

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STAGE 3

Preparing Your Trademark Application

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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

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A checkmark inside a circle, symbolizing approval or completion.

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

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Checkmark inside a circle, symbolizing completion or approval.

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)

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UKIPO Examination of Your Trademark Application

The IPO examines your application for conflicts and compliance with legal standards.

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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

Protect Your Brand Today with Expert Trademark Registration Services!