In order to obtain trademark protection in United Kingdom you can register your trademark in two ways: First option is that you request registration in the entire European Union with one single application; this can be done via the European Union Trademark which grants trademark protection in the 28 country members of the EU (more info here). Second option is that you register directly your trademark in United Kingdom. If you want to proceed this way please follow the steps described below.
A trademark attorney will process your trademark registration in United Kingdom through the following steps:
The average time frame for the registration approval is 5 months, if no objections or oppositions arise.
When you register your trademark in the UK, it will be protected in Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Falkland Islands.
No. It is not a filing requirement and will not be needed during prosecution.
Yes. There are a number of benefits from pre-filing use:
Yes. Not using your trademark makes it vulnerable to cancellation or revocation.
Registrable marks are those that can be interpreted graphically and can make the business distinct from its competitors: words, slogans, names, devices, sounds, scents, holograms, motions, touch, taste, 3-dimensional shapes and colors.
The application will go through 3 phases:
This jurisdiction prohibits the registration of the following:
Yes. United Kingdom uses the Nice Classification system.
Yes. The European Union Trade Mark registration is effective in the UK. This is formerly called as the Community Trademark.
Yes. You may claim priority in this jurisdiction when you meet the following requirements:
This jurisdiction requires that you use your registered trademark within 5 years from the date the registration process was completed. This is calculated from the date your registration was published in the Trade Marks Journal. Use must take place in this jurisdiction and number of use can be minimal.
Validity of registered trademarks in the UK lasts for 10 years starting on the date of application.
Renew your trademark 10 years from the date you filed your application.
Yes. You can legally use your mark even if it’s not yet registered.