A word mark protects the name or slogan of your brand in plain text, without any styling. It gives you exclusive rights to use the name regardless of font, design, or colour.

What is a logo (figurative) mark?

A logo mark protects the design or stylisation of your brand. This includes colours, fonts, layout, and imagery used in your logo. It only protects that specific design.

Which trademark should I register first?

If you're on a budget or just starting out, registering a word mark is best. It gives broader protection and flexibility if your logo changes in the future.

You’ve Registered Your Trademark. Now What?

9 Apr

Written By Oneandonlychildhoods Team

5 Crucial Steps to Protect and Maximise Your Brand

Registering your trademark is a huge milestone — it means you're serious about protecting your brand. But it’s not the end of the journey. A registered trademark doesn’t automatically defend itself. Without proactive steps, even the strongest trademark can become vulnerable.

Here are 5 key things every business owner should do after registration to keep their brand protected and powerful.

1. Use the ® Symbol — Properly

Once your trademark is officially registered with the UKIPO, you're entitled to use the ® symbol next to your brand name or logo. This symbol sends a clear message: your brand is legally protected.

Important: It’s actually a criminal offence in the UK to use the ® symbol before your mark is registered. Only use it once your registration certificate comes through.

2. Monitor for Copycats and Infringement

The UKIPO doesn’t police your rights — you have to. Keep an eye out for businesses using names, logos, or domain names that are similar to yours. This includes:

New trademark applications (we recommend a watch service)
Domain names and social media handles
Marketplace listings (like Amazon or Etsy)

If someone’s riding on your reputation, you need to act — quickly and strategically.

3. Enforce Your Rights (Strategically)

If you spot an infringement, don’t panic — start with a measured approach. A well-drafted cease and desist letter is often enough to stop the problem. If a similar trademark is filed at the UKIPO, you typically have 2 months to oppose it.

In some cases, you may need to escalate. Enforcement can involve:

Formal oppositions
Negotiating coexistence agreements
Legal action as a last resort

Need help deciding your next move? That’s what we’re here for.

4. Keep Your Trademark Alive

Your UK trademark lasts 10 years — but only if you renew it. Set a reminder well in advance of the renewal deadline.

Also, make sure to:

Update your address or ownership details
Use your trademark actively in the market

If you don’t use your trademark for 5 consecutive years, it could be revoked for non-use — even if it's still registered.

5. Expand Your Protection as You Grow

As your business scales, so should your trademark protection. This could mean:

Filing in new trademark classes if you add products/services
Registering in other countries if you export or operate abroad

Many UK businesses use the Madrid Protocol for international protection — a centralised way to file in multiple countries from a single application.

Final Word: Trademark Registration Is Just the Beginning

You’ve taken the first big step. But now it’s time to make sure that trademark works for you — by staying protected, staying active, and staying ahead of copycats.

At Sort My Mark, we don’t just file trademarks. We partner with you for the long run — from monitoring to renewals to international growth.

Want to check if your brand is being infringed?
Book a free legal review — no strings attached.

Oneandonlychildhoods Team