Trade Marks protect the various means of identification by which a product, goods or services, are distinguished from other traders.

Trade Marks are used to identify a particular brand or manufacturer and thereby provide protection for the goodwill and reputation a company has established in its goods and services.

Trade Marks can be any sign or combination of signs, word or words including slogans and jingles, symbols or logos, smells or shapes.

Choosing a good trade mark at an early stage is vital. Many trade marks adopted are unregistrable or conflict with prior registrations. You should not use a trade mark without first asking us to effect a search for prior rights. The registration process is complex and sound advice can save time and, more importantly, cost.

UK Trade Marks:

UK Registered Trade Marks extend throughout the United Kingdom and remain in force indefinitely provided they are renewed every 10 years. They provide protection from infringement in the United Kingdom since one UK Registered Trade Mark cannot infringe another.

Community Trade Marks (CTMs):

CTMs extend throughout the European Union and remain in force indefinitely provided they are renewed every 10 years from the date of filing. An application for a CTM cannot be refused on the basis of an earlier identical or similar trade mark unless it is opposed by the proprietor of an earlier trade mark. A CTM Registration does not afford its owner protection from infringement of other CTM or national Registrations.


If you would like preliminary advice on the viability of registering your trade mark please use our Trade Mark Enquiry Form or contact us.