When you register a trademark in the UK, whether it’s a logo or a brand name, you gain exclusive rights to use that identity and can stop competitors from copying your name, logo, or overall commercial look. This strengthens your position on marketplaces, builds credibility with customers, and helps protect the long-term value of your business.
To obtain trademark protection in the UK, you must apply through the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). The UK follows a “first-to-file” system, which means rights are generally granted to the first person or entity to file, not necessarily the first to use the mark. There are limited exceptions (for example, bad-faith filings or well-known marks), but in practice trade mark registration in the UK is essential if you want solid, enforceable protection.
Foreign individuals and entities can also apply to register a trademark in the UK, but in many cases they must be represented by a UK-based attorney or agent. A registered UK trademark provides protection across all territories of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the British Indian Ocean Territory.
The UK is a member of the Madrid Protocol, so you can also designate the UK when filing through the Madrid international system. It’s also important to consider the impact of BREXIT:
Before you trademark a business or company name in the UK or file any new application, a UK trademark search is strongly recommended. Our searches go beyond the UKIPO database and include a risk assessment, legal analysis and strategic recommendations, including potential absolute grounds for refusal, such as prohibited elements like crowns or images of the Royal Family.