Celebrating One Year of my Trade Mark Registration: How to Protect Your Brand

March 2025 marks the first anniversary since the registration of my trade mark.

A significant milestone for my freelance virtual executive assistant business. As someone with a background in intellectual property (IP), having vast experience of both in house IP departments and national law firms, I’ve carved out a niche supporting trade mark attorneys and related businesses with administrative and business support.  

To celebrate, I want to share a step-by-step guide for small business owners on how to register your logo or brand as a trade mark in the UK. (Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and I would advise you to consult a registered trade mark attorney or your solicitor in your country of residence, should you require legal advice). 
 
Why Register Your Trade Mark? 
 
A registered trade mark gives you exclusive rights to your logo or brand name, protecting it from unauthorised use and helping you build a strong, recognisable identity. Here’s how you can secure this essential asset: 
 
Applying to register your trade mark in the United Kingdom 
 
1. Ensure Your Logo is Unique 
-Conduct a search through the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) database to check for existing registrations or published applications that may be similar to your logo. 

-Make sure your logo is distinctive, non-generic, and free from offensive language. 
 
2. Choose the Right Class/es 
-Trade marks are categorised into 45 classes based on goods and services.

-Use the IPO classification system to determine the appropriate class(es) for your business. 

-Ensure your class specification isn’t too broad or too narrow. Cover everything you currently use and may need in the future. Ensure that you don’t use terms that you do not plan to sell as goods and/or services in the next 5 years. In the UK, trade marks can be vulnerable to cancellation for non-use, so keep evidence of your trade mark usage in its registered form. 

 3. File Your Application 
- Submit your application online via the IPO website or by post.

Include: 
- A clear representation of your logo. 
- A description of the goods and services it will cover. 
- Payment of the application fee (£170 for one class, plus £50 for each additional class). 
 
4. Examination by the UKPO 
- The IPO will review your application for compliance with legal requirements and check for conflicts with existing trade marks. 
 
5. Publication in the UK Trade Marks Journal 
- If approved, your application will be published for two months, giving third parties the opportunity to oppose it.  
 
6. Registration 
- If no objections are raised (or resolved), your trade mark will be registered, granting you exclusive rights for ten years. 
 
Izz Whizzdom tips 
 
Act Early: Apply for your trade mark registration as soon as your logo is finalised to avoid conflicts. 

Consult a Professional: A trade mark attorney can help navigate complex cases or opposition. It is important to get your application right – you won’t be able to amend it after it has been submitted. 

Monitor and Renew: Regularly monitor for infringements to your trade mark and renew your trade mark every ten years to maintain protection.  

Consider using the services of a trade mark attorney in order to set up a watching service for your trade mark. 

Keep usage evidence of your trade mark in use in the form that it was registered (your website, marketing materials, invoices, etc). 

Using Your Trade Mark Outside the UK 

If you plan to use your trade mark internationally, consider these steps: 

• EU Trade Mark (EUTM): Register with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for protection in EU member states. 

• Madrid Protocol: File an international trade mark application through WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) for multiple jurisdictions. 

• Country-Specific Registration: Some countries require direct registration, so check local regulations before expanding. 

 
Izz Whizz VA is a freelance business support service providing assistance when you need it, how you need, remotely. Please contact us at isabelle@izzwhizzva.co.uk if you would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation about how outsourced support could enhance your business. 

We provide business support to CEOs, small business owners, legal professionals and charities.

Please note that nothing contained in this article constitutes legal advice and we advise that you consult a legal professional and/or trade mark attorney for advice and guidance on a case by case basis.