1: Look at the trade mark database closely to make sure there are no matching or comparable trade marks that have been registered for the same kinds of products and/or services you want to register. You can, though, seek permission to register a related trade mark from the owner of a current one – this necessitates a ‘letter of consent` and this should be added in with your application. You might want to hire a trade mark solicitor to help with the search and registration procedure.2: Send an application online or by post to the IPO. This must contain details of what you wish to register, the trade mark classes you want, as well as a completed fee sheet.3: You should receive an examination report within twenty days of sending an application – this will give feedback and notice of any issues that need resolving. You need to deal with any issues within two months. If there are no other objections, your application will be available in the trade marks journal for a period of two months to let third-parties to contest the registration.4: If all is well, your trade mark will get registered and you`ll be given a certificate as verification. If any opposition is raised, you have the choice to remove your application, talk about the objection with the said party, or support the application.
Registering a trade mark abroad
The protection of a trade mark is only true in the country where it was registered; consequently, if you list a trade mark with the IPO, it will only be protected within the UK.To both look after and use your trade mark in EU countries, you can send off for a Community Trade Mark (CTM). This comes from the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM). You can post an application straight away or else, you can apply through the IPO.If you want to register your trade mark in countries outside the EU, you could apply to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).If you are thinking about forming a company we can help. We have helped over 5000 UK businesses start up, we provide many supportive and administrative services for fledgling businesses. Our services include mail forwarding and address services, virtual offices, call answering and company formations.We are open Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00pm and can be contacted on the phone, email and face to face. Get in touch with us today if you would like to discuss your business ideas.
