Can You Trademark Your Name? A UK Guide for Businesses
If you’ve built a business around your name, as a founder, consultant, creator, or personal brand. it’s natural to ask:
Can you trademark your name?
The short answer is yes, sometimes, but it depends on how the name is used, what it represents, and whether it functions as a brand rather than just a person’s name.
In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly and practically, so you can understand:
When a name can be trademarked
When it can’t
Why it matters for your business
The benefits and risks
Real-world examples
What to do next if you want protection
No legal jargon. Just clarity.
What Does “Trademarking Your Name” Actually Mean?
Trademarking your name doesn’t mean you own the name in every context.
A trademark protects a name only when it’s used as a brand. for example:
On products
In business services
As a trading name
In marketing, logos, or packaging
In trademark law, your name must act as a badge of commercial origin. In plain English: People must recognise it as identifying your business, not just you as a person.
Can You Trademark Your Name in the UK?
Yes, you can trademark your name in the UK, but only if it meets certain criteria.
Your name is more likely to be accepted if:
It’s used consistently in business or trade
Customers associate the name with specific goods or services
It has built up a reputation or recognition
It appears on a website, invoices, branding, or marketing
Your name may be rejected if:
It’s too common and lacks distinctiveness
It’s not being used commercially
It describes the service rather than the brand
It could confuse consumers with an existing trademark
In short, not all names are automatically distinctive enough.
Personal Names vs Business Names: What’s the Difference?
This is where many people get caught out.
A personal name alone
Simply being called something doesn’t give you trademark rights.
A name used as a brand
If your name is:
On your website header
In your logo
Used as your trading identity
Marketed as a service or product brand
Then it may qualify for trademark protection.
Example:
“John Smith” as a person → not protected
“John Smith Consulting®” used nationwide → potentially protectable
Why Trademarking Your Name Matters for Businesses
If your name is your business, not protecting it can be risky.
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Without a trademark:
Someone else can register the same or a similar name
You may be forced to rebrand later
You could face legal objections when scaling
Social media and domain disputes become harder
With a trademark:
You gain exclusive rights in your industry
You can stop others from using confusingly similar names
Your brand becomes a valuable business asset
It adds credibility with clients and partners
For founders, consultants, coaches, creatives, and experts, this can be a big deal.
Benefits of Trademarking Your Name
Trademarking your name can unlock several advantages:
1. Brand Protection
You legally secure your identity in the market.
2. Commercial Confidence
You can invest in marketing without fear of infringement claims.
3. Business Value
A registered trademark is an intangible asset useful for licensing, selling, or franchising.
4. Enforcement Power
You can take action if others try to trade off your reputation.
Risks and Common Mistakes to Watch Out For
Trademarking a name isn’t risk-free.
Common pitfalls include:
Filing without a proper trademark search
Assuming ownership just because it’s your name
Applying for the wrong classes
Ignoring existing similar marks
A rejection or opposition can cost time, money, and momentum.
That’s why strategy matters as much as registration.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Consultant or Coach
A leadership coach trading nationwide under their personal name, with a strong online presence, is often a good candidate for trademark protection.
Example 2: Creative or Influencer
A designer, author, or content creator using their name as a brand can trademark it for digital content, merchandise, or services.
Example 3: Local Tradesperson
If the name is very common and used only locally, trademark protection may be limited or unnecessary.
Context is everything.
FAQs: Can You Trademark Your Name?
Can I trademark my own name even if others share it?
Yes — but only for your specific goods or services, and only if there’s no likelihood of confusion.
Can someone stop me from using my own name?
In rare cases, yes — if your use causes confusion with an earlier registered trademark in the same field.
Do I need to trademark my name to run a business?
No, but if your name is your brand, trademarking is strongly recommended.
Can I trademark my name internationally?
Yes, but trademarks are territorial. UK protection doesn’t automatically cover other countries.
Is a logo better than a name trademark?
Not always. Word marks (names) often provide broader protection than logos.
Final Thoughts: Should You Trademark Your Name?
So, can you trademark your name?
Yes, if your name functions as a brand and meets trademark requirements.
For many founders and entrepreneurs, trademarking a personal name is a smart long-term move, but only when done properly, with the right checks and strategy.
If you’re unsure whether your name is protectable, or whether it’s worth registering now or later, getting clarity early can save you serious headaches down the line.
Your name is your reputation. Protect it like a business asset.