How to trademark your logo in the UK

Protecting your logo legally

A logo and a trademark are different things. Having a logo doesn't automatically protect it. Here's what UK founders need to know.

What trademark protection gives you

  • Legal right to use your mark in your industry
  • Ability to stop others using similar marks
  • Basis for enforcement if copied
  • ® symbol usage rights

    • The registration process

    1. Search first

    Check the UK IPO database and Google. If something similar exists in your industry, registration may fail.

    2. Choose your classes

    Trademarks are registered by industry class. You need to select which classes your business operates in.

    3. Apply through UK IPO

    The Intellectual Property Office handles registrations. Applications cost £170 for one class, £50 for each additional class.

    4. Wait for examination

    The IPO examines your application and publishes it. Others can object during a 2-month opposition period.

    5. Registration

    If no issues arise, your trademark registers. This takes 4-6 months typically.

    What can and can't be trademarked

    Can be trademarked:
  • Distinctive logos
  • Unique brand names
  • Specific colour combinations (harder)
  • Distinctive shapes
    • Cannot be trademarked:
  • Generic descriptive terms
  • Common symbols in your industry
  • Offensive material
  • Deceptive marks

    • Before designing your logo

    Trademark searches should inform logo design. No point creating something you can't protect or that infringes on existing marks.

    Professional help

    You can file yourself, but trademark attorneys help with:

  • Proper class selection
  • Search interpretation
  • Responding to examiner objections
  • Opposition proceedings

The cost of not registering

Without registration, you have limited rights. Someone else could register a similar mark and potentially force you to rebrand.