How to Register a Trademark in the UK (2026)
A practical, step-by-step guide to registering your brand name, logo, or slogan with the UK Intellectual Property Office.
UK trademark registration at a glance
Research & clearance: check before you commit
A search tells you whether an identical mark already exists. A clearance report goes much further — it weighs how close every existing mark really is, shows where the genuine risks sit, and gives you a clear verdict on whether the name is worth filing at all. It turns a raw list of search hits into a decision you can act on the same day, before you spend on filing fees, packaging, or brand design.
What's inside a clearance report
- Absolute-grounds screen — the five s.3 grounds an IPO examiner applies, so descriptiveness and distinctiveness risks surface before you file, not after.
- Ranked by real risk, not just exact matches — every similar mark is scored on how it sounds, how it looks, and, using AI, how close it is in meaning. Genuine look-alikes and near-misses a basic register search skips are surfaced and ordered by the conflicts that actually matter.
- Five registers in one pass— UK, EU, US, Japan and Australia, so an expansion plan doesn't become a nasty surprise two years from now.
- Beyond the register — company and charity names, domain and social-handle availability, and the owners who hold the closest marks.
- A filing plan — which Nice classes look clear, the official costs, and an attorney-ready brief if you want a professional second opinion.
Why it pays for itself
- Avoid a forced rebrand. Spotting a blocking mark today costs a fraction of re-naming a launched business.
- Protect your filing fee.The UK IPO keeps your £205 if your application is refused — clearance lets you file with evidence behind you.
- Brief with confidence. A clear verdict and class plan mean you can instruct a designer or attorney straight away.
- Own your space. See the open territory around your name — and act on it — before a competitor does.
Three levels of depth
Match the report to the decision in front of you: Basic for a fast risk score, Standard for the full conflict picture, and Premium for international coverage, ownership-readiness scoring, and the attorney-ready pack. See exactly what each tier includes on our pricing page.
Step 1: Search before you file
The most important step happens before you even start your application. A thorough trademark search ensures your proposed mark isn't already registered or confusingly similar to an existing one.
Use our free trademark search to check UK IPO, EUIPO, and USPTO registers in seconds — then run a full clearance report before you commit. Together they can save you £205+ in wasted filing fees and months of delay.
Step 2: Choose your Nice classes
Trademarks are registered per class of goods or services. The international Nice Classification system has 45 classes - 34 for goods and 11 for services. You need to select at least one class that matches what your brand covers.
For example, a software company would typically file in Class 9 (software) and possibly Class 42 (SaaS services).
Step 3: Prepare your application
You'll need:
- The exact mark you want to register (word, logo, or both)
- A description of your goods/services in each chosen class
- Your personal or business details
- Payment of £205 + £60 per additional class
Step 4: File online with the UK IPO
The UK IPO offers an online application service that takes about 30 minutes to complete. You'll receive a filing receipt with your application number immediately.
Step 5: Examination
An IPO examiner will review your application within 2–3 weeks. They check for:
- Absolute grounds for refusal (mark is too descriptive or generic)
- Correct classification of goods/services
- Proper representation of the mark
If there are issues, you'll receive an examination report and have the opportunity to respond.
Step 6: Publication and opposition period
Once accepted, your mark is published for a 2-month opposition period. Any third party can oppose your registration during this time. Most applications pass through without opposition.
Step 7: Registration
If no opposition is filed, your trademark is registered and you receive a certificate. Your mark is protected for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing without searching - The most expensive mistake. Always search first.
- Choosing the wrong class- Protecting software in a clothing class won't help you.
- Being too descriptive- Marks that simply describe what you sell ("Quality Shoes") will be refused.
- Forgetting to renew - Set a reminder for 10 years after filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a trademark in the UK?
A UK trademark costs £205 in official UK IPO fees for one class when you file online, plus £60 for each additional class. Postal applications cost more. There are no maintenance fees during the 10-year registration period, and most straightforward applications can be completed without a solicitor.
How long does UK trademark registration take?
If no oppositions are filed, UK trademark registration typically takes around 4 months from application to registration. Examination takes about 2–3 weeks, followed by a 2-month opposition period before the mark is registered.
Can I register a trademark myself in the UK?
Yes. You can file directly with the UK IPO online without a solicitor or trademark attorney. A thorough trademark search before filing is essential, however, to avoid wasting your fee on an application that may be refused or opposed.
What can you register as a UK trademark?
You can register words, logos, slogans, and in some cases shapes, colours or sounds — anything that distinguishes your goods or services. The mark must be distinctive and must not be purely descriptive of what you sell; for example, 'Quality Shoes' for footwear would be refused.
Do I need a trademark attorney to register?
No — an attorney is optional. You can apply yourself for the £205 official fee. Professional help (typically £500–£2,000) can be worthwhile if your mark is borderline distinctive, covers many classes, or is likely to face opposition.
What happens if someone opposes my trademark application?
During the 2-month opposition period, a third party can file an objection. You then have the chance to negotiate, amend, or defend your application. Most applications pass through the opposition window without any objection.
How long does a UK trademark last, and how do I renew it?
A UK trademark lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely. Renewal costs £245 for the first class plus £60 for each additional class, payable every 10 years (a £60 late surcharge applies in the six-month grace period). There is nothing to pay in between renewals.
Can I register a trademark before launching my business?
Yes. You can apply based on a genuine intention to use the mark, so you don't have to be trading yet. Filing early is often wise because UK trademark rights generally go to the first to register, not the first to use.
Does a UK trademark protect my brand abroad?
No. A UK trademark only protects you in the United Kingdom. For protection elsewhere you need separate applications — for example an EU trademark via the EUIPO (€850 for one class) or a US trademark via the USPTO — or an international application through the WIPO Madrid System.