Understanding Trademarks in the UK and How to Register One

What Does a Trademark Do?

A trademark protects the way customers experience your brand. As explained in the GoSME "4 Es" framework, trademarks secure the Experience element of IP. This covers brand names, logos, taglines, and even distinctive packaging.

• What does it mean to be trademarked? It means your brand is legally protected under the British trademark register, preventing competitors from copying or misusing it.

• What does a trademark do? It gives you the exclusive right to use your brand identity in your registered classes of goods or services, deterring infringement.

• This protection creates trust with customers and investors, as trademarks are often a core asset in business valuation.

Why Registering a Trademark Matters for Business Growth

Your brand’s visibility and reputation rely on legal protection. Customers value brand experiences, and registering a trade mark signals professionalism and stability. Without formal registration of TM rights, your brand is vulnerable to competitors.

In addition, trade name registration or trademark name registration can increase your company’s commercial value. Trademarks form part of your intellectual property portfolio, which investors scrutinise when evaluating growth potential.

Steps for Trademark Registration in the UK

1. Check the UK TM Register:

Before you apply, search the UK trademark register (UK IPO database) to ensure your brand name or logo is unique. This prevents costly rejections.

2. Decide What You Want to Protect:

You can protect a word, logo, colour, slogan, or combination. If you’re asking how do you get a logo trademarked or how do you register a trade name, the process is the same.

3. Prepare Your Application:

Include:

o Trademark details (word/logo/design)

o Classes of goods and services

o Owner details

This is called trademark filing or filing a trademark name.

4. Submit the Application to the IPO:

This is where you register a trademark officially. You can apply online via the IPO’s portal.

o If you are wondering how do you get a trademark, the application fee starts from £170.

o You can also purchase trademark rights from other holders, but this involves additional agreements.

5. Wait for Examination and Publication:

The IPO will review the application. If accepted, it will be published for opposition.

6. Registration of TM Issued:

If no objections are filed, you will receive your trademark certificate. This is the final trademark and registration step.

Key FAQs

• How can I trademark a brand name?

Submit your application through the UK IPO portal. This is also called register brand name or registration of a brand.

 

 

• How do you trademark a logo?

The same process applies. You simply submit the logo as your mark.

• How to apply trademark overseas?

If you want protection outside the UK, use international filings via WIPO.

• Can I register a brand even if it’s just a trade name?

Yes. Trademark name registration and trade name registration protect your company identity even if it’s not a product brand.

Conclusion

Trademarks are a crucial part of business growth. They protect the experience customers have with your brand and build credibility with investors. The registration of TM gives you exclusive rights over your brand identity, strengthens your market position, and can significantly increase your company’s value.

Once you’ve completed your trademark registration in the UK, profile your brand on GoSME. Show investors that your company is built to last. Registering a trade mark is just the first step—building visibility and trust is how you scale your business.