How to register a trademark?

Registering a trademark can be one of the most important steps you take to safeguard your idea, upon which you have founded your company or business. A lot of investment in terms of time and money goes into making your ideas possible, so make sure that you give it the proper amount of protection when it comes to finding legal protections and trademarks.

How to register

The forms
To register your trademark in the UK, you have to apply to the Intellectual Property Office. You should complete the form called "TM3" online or submit a paper form "TM3" and send it with the appropriate fee and fee sheet to the Intellectual Property Office Trademarks Registry. Fees and discounts
If you apply online, you usually get a discount on the fee payable because there is not as much work for the IP office to do at the other end. You also get to have the choice of using the standard or right start examination service. According to the IP office: "If you choose the right start service you initially pay half the normal fees. The Intellectual Property Office then examines your application to ensure it meets the registration requirements and issues its report. You only pay the balance of the fees if you decide to proceed with your application." This is to encourage more people to seek protection without risking their money which could be spent elsewhere on building their new business. Checks - Conduct a search to check nobody has registered or applied for the same or a similar trade mark for the goods or services that you wish to be providing
- Get your trademark right first time, as it cannot be altered after your application has been submitted. No revisions are allowed
- List all the goods and services you want your trademark to cover, as you cannot add any later

What happens afterwards?

You have to wait one month for the IP office to check the patent laws surrounding your application and ensure that your trademarking designs are acceptable. If it is acceptable, it will be put in the Trademarks Journal and then, if no-one objects within two months, you will get your registration certificate and you have it for ten years which can then be renewed.

Where to get help

Take advice from a patent attorney or an IP lawyer because mistakes in this process can be costly.