How to Register a Trademark in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
To register a trademark in the UK, you apply online through the Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) for £170 per class. The process takes around 3 to 4 months if no one objects. From 1 April 2026, fees rise to £205, so acting now saves money. This guide covers every step, the real costs, common mistakes, and what changes in 2026.
Nouveau Legal is a boutique commercial law practice based in Middlesbrough. We help businesses across the UK protect their brands with fixed-fee, plain-English legal advice. Explore our full range of business legal services or get a free quote today.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Trademark and Why Does Your Business Need One?
- How Do You Register a Trademark in the UK? (7 Steps)
- How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in the UK in 2026?
- How Long Does UK Trademark Registration Take?
- Can I Register a Trademark Myself or Do I Need a Solicitor?
- Top 10 Benefits of Registering a Trademark in the UK
- What Are the Most Common Trademark Registration Mistakes?
- What Happens If Someone Opposes My Trademark Application?
- What Happens After Your Trademark Is Registered?
- What Is Changing for UK Trademarks in 2026?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
If you want to register a trademark in the UK, you need to apply through the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), choose the right classes for your goods or services, and pay from £170 online. Trademark registration in the UK protects your business name, logo, or slogan from being copied. It gives you exclusive legal rights for 10 years, and you can renew it indefinitely.
In the first nine months of 2025, over 128,000 trademark applications were filed in the UK. That is an 18.5% increase on the previous year. More businesses than ever are taking steps to protect their brands. Yet many owners still confuse registering a company name at Companies House with trademarking. They are two completely different things.
Here is the thing. Registering at Companies House does not stop someone else from using a similar brand name in trade. Only a registered trademark gives you that legal protection.
This guide walks you through every step of the UK trademark registration process. We cover the real costs, common mistakes, what happens if someone objects, and the big changes coming in 2026. Whether you are a startup in Middlesbrough or a growing business elsewhere in the UK, this guide has everything you need.
At Nouveau Legal, we help businesses protect their intellectual property every day. We offer fixed-fee trademark registration services in plain English, with no hidden charges. Everything in this guide comes from real experience working with business owners just like you.
What Is a Trademark and Why Does Your Business Need One?
A trademark is a sign that makes your business stand out from others. It can be a word, a logo, a slogan, a shape, a colour, or even a sound. Think of the Nike tick or the name Google. Those are trademarks.
Under the Trade Marks Act 1994, a registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use that sign for the goods or services you registered it for. If someone copies it, you can take legal action.
Without a trademark, you rely on something called “passing off.” This means you have to prove your brand has a strong reputation, that the other party misled customers, and that your business was harmed. That is much harder and more expensive than simply pointing to your trademark registration certificate.
For a deeper dive into how IP works for businesses, read our guide to understanding intellectual property.
What Is the Difference Between TM and the Registered Symbol?
- TM (unregistered): Anyone can use this symbol. It shows you claim the mark as yours, but it offers no legal protection.
- The registered symbol (registered trademark): You can only use this after your trademark is officially registered with the UKIPO. Misusing it is actually a criminal offence under UK law.
What Can and Cannot Be Trademarked in the UK?
You can trademark:
- Business names and product names
- Logos and graphic designs
- Slogans and taglines
- Colours, sounds, and even shapes (if distinctive)
You cannot trademark:
- Generic or descriptive words (e.g., “Best Coffee” for a coffee shop)
- Offensive or misleading marks
- Marks that are too similar to an existing registered trademark
- Common surnames without a distinctive element
How Do You Register a Trademark in the UK? (7 Steps)
Here is the full process, step by step. The whole thing is managed by the UKIPO and can be done online through GOV.UK.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Trademark
Start by choosing exactly what you want to protect. Is it your business name? Your logo? A slogan? You can trademark any of these, but each one is a separate application.
If you have both a name and a logo, consider registering them separately. A word mark protects the name in any font or style. A logo mark only protects that specific design.
Step 2: Search the UKIPO Database for Conflicts
Before you pay a penny, search the UKIPO trademark database to check if someone else already owns a similar mark. Also search Companies House, domain registries, and social media.
At Nouveau Legal, one of the most common issues we see is clients who skip this step. They file an application only to find out a similar trademark already exists. That wastes both time and money.
Step 3: Choose Your Trademark Classes (Nice Classification)
The UK uses a system of 45 trademark classes. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods. Classes 35 to 45 cover services. You must pick at least one class when you apply.
Your trademark only protects you within the classes you choose. Get this wrong, and your mark might not cover what you actually sell. You cannot add classes after you submit your application.
The UKIPO has a free online search tool to help you find the right classes.
Step 4: Apply Online Through the UKIPO
You can apply online at GOV.UK. The standard application costs £170 for one class, plus £50 for each additional class. Paper applications cost £200.
There is also a Right Start option for £200 total. You pay half upfront and receive an examination report from the UKIPO. If your mark passes, you pay the second half to proceed. This is useful if you are unsure whether your mark will be accepted.
Step 5: UKIPO Examination
After you apply, a UKIPO examiner reviews your application. They check whether your mark is distinctive, whether it conflicts with existing registrations, and whether it meets all formal requirements.
If the examiner raises any issues, you have two months to respond. This is where professional help can be valuable. A poorly drafted response can lead to refusal.
Step 6: Publication and the Two-Month Opposition Window
If your application passes examination, it gets published in the Trade Marks Journal. Anyone can view it for two months (extendable to three). During this window, other businesses can formally object if they believe your mark conflicts with theirs.
Around 5% of UK trademark applications face opposition. We cover what to do if this happens to you in a section below.
Step 7: Registration Certificate Issued
If no one opposes your mark, or if any opposition is resolved in your favour, the UKIPO registers your trademark. You will receive an electronic registration certificate, usually within about two weeks of the opposition period ending.
Congratulations. You can now use the registered trademark symbol.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in the UK in 2026?
Here is a clear breakdown of what you will pay.
| Fee Type | Current (Before April 2026) | From 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Online application (1 class) | £170 | £205 |
| Each additional class | £50 | £60 |
| Paper application (1 class) | £200 | £250 |
| 10-year renewal (1 class) | £200 | £245 |
| Solicitor fees (typical range) | £250 to £800+ | £250 to £800+ |
Source: GOV.UK, Intellectual Property Office fees announcement, November 2025.
This is the first time UKIPO has increased trademark fees since 1998. The average increase across all IP services is 25%.
Worked Example: Registering a Cafe Brand in Two Classes
Let us say you run a cafe in Teesside. You want to trademark your cafe name for both food products (Class 30) and restaurant services (Class 43). Here is what you would pay before and after April 2026:
| Item | Before April 2026 | After April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| UKIPO fee (first class) | £170 | £205 |
| UKIPO fee (second class) | £50 | £60 |
| Solicitor support (typical) | £400 | £400 |
| Total estimated cost | £620 | £665 |
If you file before 1 April 2026, you save £45 on UKIPO fees alone. For businesses registering multiple marks or classes, the savings add up quickly.
How Long Does UK Trademark Registration Take?
Best case: 3 to 4 months from filing to registration.
- Examination: 2 to 3 weeks after you submit your application.
- Publication period: 2 months in the Trade Marks Journal.
- Registration: About 2 weeks after the opposition window closes.
What can slow things down?
- Examiner objections: If the UKIPO raises concerns, you have two months to respond. This can add weeks or months.
- Third-party opposition: If another business objects, the process can stretch to 6 to 12 months or longer.
- Errors in the application: Wrong classes, missing information, or unclear descriptions can cause delays or outright refusal.
Can I Register a Trademark Myself or Do I Need a Solicitor?
Yes, you can absolutely apply for a trademark yourself through the UKIPO online service. It is designed to be user-friendly, and plenty of business owners do it without professional help.
But there are situations where using a solicitor saves you money in the long run.
| DIY Application | With a Solicitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £170 to £270 (UKIPO fees only) | £500 to £1,200+ (including legal fees) |
| Best for | Simple word marks, one class, no conflicts found | Complex marks, multiple classes, international plans |
| Risk level | Higher. Mistakes in classes or search can mean refusal | Lower. Professional search and drafting reduces errors |
| Opposition help | You handle it yourself | Solicitor manages the response and negotiation |
One thing we have seen at Nouveau Legal: clients who filed without professional advice sometimes pick the wrong class or miss a conflicting mark. Refiling costs more than getting it right the first time. If your brand is central to your business, it is worth investing in a proper search and application.
Nouveau Legal offers fixed-fee intellectual property services, including trademark searches, application support, and handling objections. No hourly billing, no surprise costs.
Top 10 Benefits of Registering a Trademark in the UK
You might be wondering whether trademark registration is really necessary. Here are ten practical reasons why it matters.
- Legal exclusivity. You get the sole right to use your mark for the goods or services you registered it for.
- Deterrent to copycats. A registered mark sends a clear message. It tells competitors your brand is legally protected.
- Stronger enforcement. Enforcing a registered trademark is far simpler and cheaper than relying on passing off claims.
- Brand value as a business asset. A trademark is an intangible asset. It can be valued, sold, or used as collateral.
- Licensing revenue. You can license your trademark to others and earn income from it. This is common in franchising.
- Amazon Brand Registry access. If you sell on Amazon, a registered trademark is often required to join their Brand Registry programme.
- Customs border protection. You can record your trademark with UK Border Force to block counterfeit goods at the border.
- Credibility with investors and partners. Investors and distributors often ask about IP protection before committing.
- Domain dispute leverage. A registered trademark strengthens your position in domain name disputes.
- Peace of mind. You know your brand is protected, so you can focus on growing your business.
If you are also looking at protecting your contracts and customer agreements alongside your brand, explore our commercial contracts support.
What Are the Most Common Trademark Registration Mistakes?
Getting your trademark application wrong can cost you time, money, and your filing fee. Here are the mistakes we see most often.
- Choosing a descriptive or generic name. Names like “Fresh Bakery” or “Premium Tech” are almost impossible to register because they describe the product rather than distinguish the brand.
- Skipping the trademark search. Not checking the UKIPO database before applying is the single biggest cause of wasted applications.
- Selecting the wrong classes. Your trademark only protects you in the classes you register. Pick the wrong ones and you may have no protection where it matters most.
- Filing too narrowly. If you plan to expand into new products or services, consider registering additional classes now rather than filing again later.
- Not responding to examiner queries on time. You have two months to respond. Miss the deadline and your application may be refused.
- Forgetting to use the mark after registration. If you do not use your trademark for five consecutive years, it can be challenged and cancelled.
- Confusing company registration with trademark registration. Registering your name at Companies House does not give you trademark rights. They are separate processes.
What Happens If Someone Opposes My Trademark Application?
If someone believes your trademark conflicts with theirs, they can file a formal opposition during the two-month publication window. Here is what that process looks like.
- Notice of opposition. The objecting party files a TM7 form with the UKIPO, explaining their grounds for opposition.
- Cooling-off period. Both parties are given time to negotiate a settlement. This can last several months.
- Evidence rounds. If no settlement is reached, both sides submit evidence supporting their position.
- Hearing or decision. The UKIPO makes a decision based on the evidence. You may also choose to attend a hearing.
Opposition does not automatically mean you will lose. Many oppositions are resolved through negotiation. For example, you might agree to limit your classes or amend your mark slightly.
However, opposition proceedings can significantly increase costs and timelines. This is one of the key reasons a thorough pre-application search matters.
What Happens After Your Trademark Is Registered?
Registration is not the end of the process. Here is what you need to do to keep your trademark active and protected.
- Use the registered symbol. You can now legally use it next to your brand name or logo.
- Renew every 10 years. Your trademark lasts 10 years from the filing date. You can renew it indefinitely in 10-year periods.
- Use it genuinely. If you do not use your trademark for five consecutive years, anyone can apply to have it cancelled.
- Record with UK Border Force. This allows customs officials to intercept counterfeit goods entering the UK.
- Monitor for infringement. Regularly check for similar marks on the UKIPO register, Companies House, and online.
- Keep evidence of use. Store examples of your trademark being used in marketing, packaging, and sales materials.
How Do I Protect My Trademark Internationally from the UK?
A UK trademark only covers the UK and the Isle of Man. If you sell or plan to sell abroad, you need additional protection.
- Madrid Protocol: File one international application through WIPO, designating the countries where you want protection. This is often the most cost-effective route.
- EUIPO (European Union): Since Brexit, UK trademarks no longer cover the EU. You need a separate EU trademark if you trade in Europe.
- Country-by-country filing: Some jurisdictions require direct applications through their national offices.
What Is Changing for UK Trademarks in 2026?
If you are planning to register a trademark in 2026, there are three important developments to be aware of.
1. UKIPO Fee Increase from 1 April 2026
The UKIPO is raising fees for the first time in nearly 30 years. Online trademark applications will go from £170 to £205 per class. Renewal fees increase from £200 to £245. The full details are on GOV.UK.
If you have been putting off your application, filing before April 2026 will save you money.
2. Brexit Clone Trademarks: New Use Requirements
When the UK left the EU, existing EU trademarks were automatically duplicated as UK trademarks (known as “Brexit clones”). From January 2026, owners of these clones must now show genuine use in the UK to defend against non-use cancellation. Use in the EU alone is no longer enough.
If your business holds a Brexit clone trademark, review your portfolio now to make sure you can prove UK-based use.
3. Rising Application Volumes
UK trademark applications grew 18.5% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the previous year. That means more marks are being registered, which increases the chance of conflicts. Early filing is more important than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a trademark in the UK?
The UKIPO charges £170 for one class online (£200 by post), plus £50 per extra class. From 1 April 2026, online fees rise to £205. If you use a solicitor, expect to pay £250 to £800 on top for professional guidance.
How long does it take to register a trademark in the UK?
Typically 3 to 4 months if your application is straightforward and no one opposes it. If the examiner raises objections or a third party files an opposition, it can take 6 to 12 months or longer.
Can I register a trademark myself without a solicitor?
Yes, you can apply directly through the UKIPO online service. However, a solicitor helps with thorough searches, correct class selection, and handling objections. This can save time and money if complications arise.
Is registering a company name the same as trademarking it?
No. Registering at Companies House protects your company name from being used by another limited company, but it does not give you trademark rights. Someone else could still use a similar brand name in trade unless you register a trademark separately. This is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter.
How long does a UK trademark last?
A UK trademark lasts 10 years from the filing date. You can renew it indefinitely in 10-year periods. However, if you do not use your mark for five consecutive years, it can be challenged and cancelled.
What happens if someone opposes my trademark?
The UKIPO notifies you, and there is usually a cooling-off period where you can negotiate. If that fails, both parties submit evidence, and the UKIPO makes a decision. Around 5% of applications face opposition.
Do I need a UK address to register a trademark?
You need a UK, Gibraltar, or Channel Islands address for service. Foreign applicants can appoint a UK-based representative. You do not need a UK business entity to apply.
Can I register a series of similar trademarks together?
Yes. A series application lets you register up to six variations of the same mark in one go, as long as the differences between them are minor. For example, different colour versions of your logo. This costs less than filing six separate applications.
Final Thoughts: Is Trademark Registration Worth It?
If your brand matters to your business, registering a trademark is one of the smartest investments you can make. For as little as £170, you get 10 years of legal protection, the right to stop copycats, and a valuable business asset you can license or sell.
The process is straightforward if you prepare properly. Search for conflicts. Choose the right classes. Apply before the April 2026 fee increase. And if in doubt, get professional advice. It is almost always cheaper than fixing mistakes later.
At Nouveau Legal, we offer fixed-fee trademark registration and IP protection services. We handle the search, the application, and any objections, all in plain English and at a price you know upfront.
Ready to protect your brand? Get a free, no-obligation quote from our team. Or if you prefer to chat first, book a consultation and we will review your options together.
