A registered trademark protects your brand name, logo or slogan, and gives you the right to use the registered mark (®) and to take action against copycats.
What can be registered
- Brand names and business names.
- Logos and device marks.
- Slogans, labels and certain packaging or shapes.
Before you file
A trademark search helps you see whether similar marks already exist in your class, so you can avoid objections and wasted fees. Marks are filed in one or more of the 45 classes of goods and services.
The process
- Search for similar marks in your class.
- File the application; from this point you may use ™ with your mark.
- Examination by the Trademark Registry, which may raise objections to be answered.
- Publication in the Trademark Journal, followed by a window for third parties to oppose.
- Registration, if there is no opposition or it is resolved in your favour.
Filing is quick, but examination and grant typically take several months, longer if there are objections or opposition.
Documents typically needed
- Applicant ID and address proof, and business registration details for companies or firms.
- A clear image of the logo, if you are filing a logo.
- Details of goods or services and the date from which the mark has been in use, if any.
- A power of attorney in favour of the agent filing the application.
Validity
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for further 10-year periods.
Common questions
Can I use ™ before registration?
Yes. You can use ™ once you have filed, or even before. The ® symbol is only for marks that are actually registered.
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Rules, thresholds and timelines change, so we confirm the current position for your case before filing. Government fees are separate from our service charge and are quoted before work begins.