Trademark Application: How to Register Your Brand Quickly

Thinking about locking down your brand name or logo? A trademark is the easiest way to stop others from piggy‑backing on your hard work. You don’t need a law degree to get started – just a clear plan and a few simple steps.

Step‑by‑step registration process

First, head over to the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) website. The online form asks for basic details: who you are, what you want to protect, and the class of goods or services it belongs to. Classes group similar items together, so pick the one that matches your business best – whether it’s sportswear, software, or food.

Next, run a quick search. The IPO’s database lets you see if anyone else already owns a similar mark. If you spot a clash, you can either tweak your design or move to a different class. It’s cheaper to catch a conflict now than to fight it later.

Once you’re happy with the search, submit the application and pay the fee (currently £170 for a single class, extra for more). The IPO will send you a confirmation and a reference number – keep that safe.The office then reviews your filing. Most applications get through in a few weeks, but if the examiner flags an issue, you’ll get a “office action” explaining the problem. You can respond with a simple clarification or amend the claim. Be prompt; deadlines are usually three months.

If everything clears, the IPO publishes your trademark in the Trade Marks Journal. This gives anyone a chance to oppose within two months. No opposition? Your mark is officially registered, and you’ll receive a certificate. Congrats – you now own exclusive rights for ten years, renewable forever.

Tips to avoid common pitfalls

Don’t wait until you have a big launch to file. Early registration stops competitors from stealing your identity when you’re still small. Also, protect all the ways you’ll use the mark – include both the logo and the word version if you plan to use both.

Be realistic about classes. Adding too many classes bumps the cost and can complicate the search. Stick to the ones that truly cover your products.

Watch out for “descriptive” marks. Words that merely describe a product (like “Fast Shoes” for running shoes) usually get rejected. Think about what makes your brand unique and focus on that angle.

Finally, keep your details up to date. If you move or change your business name, update the IPO record to avoid losing rights.

Got a question about filing? Drop a comment below or reach out to a local trademark attorney for a quick check. Protecting your brand doesn’t have to be a nightmare – with the right steps, you’ll be locked in and ready to grow.