🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
Quick answer
UK trademarks are registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). You search the register, file an application specifying classes, and it publishes for a two-month opposition period before registration. A UK trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable; the IPO also handles patents and registered designs, with copyright arising automatically.
Trademarks, patents and designs are registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
- Trademarks, patents and designs are filed online with the UK IPO.
- A UK registration covers the United Kingdom; EU protection is now separate.
- International protection can be extended via WIPO's Madrid (trademarks) and PCT (patents) systems.
Step-by-step
- 1
Search the register
Search the IPO register for identical or similar marks in the relevant classes before applying.
- 2
File the application
File online with the IPO, specifying the mark and the goods/services classes (Nice Classification).
- 3
Examination and opposition
The IPO examines the application and, if accepted, publishes it for a two-month opposition period.
- 4
Registration and renewal
Once registered, a UK trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
- 5
Cover patents, designs and copyright
Protect inventions with IPO patents and appearance with registered designs; copyright arises automatically on creation.
- 6
Enforce and go international
Enforce your rights against infringers and use the Madrid Protocol to extend trademark protection abroad.
Checklist
- IPO register search
- Application (mark + Nice classes)
- Examination + 2-month opposition
- Registration (10 years) + renewal
- Patents + registered designs (IPO)
- Automatic copyright on creation
- Enforcement strategy
- Madrid Protocol for international
Official authorities
- UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
Trademarks, patents and designs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a UK trademark last?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
Is copyright registered in the UK?
No — copyright arises automatically when an original work is created; there is no registration system for it in the UK.
Does an EU trademark still cover the UK?
No — since Brexit, EU trademarks no longer cover the UK; you need a separate UK registration for protection there.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment