UK Trademark Registration Guide 🇬🇧
1. General timeline
The registration process in the United Kingdom usually takes 3–4 months from the filing date, if no opposition is filed by third parties.
If an opposition is filed, the process becomes a contentious proceeding, and the total duration is unpredictable, as it depends on the complexity of the opposition and the parties’ arguments.
2. Examination procedure
The UKIPO (UK Intellectual Property Office) conducts only an absolute grounds examination.
This means the Office checks whether the mark:
• has distinctive character,
• is not descriptive of the goods or services,
• does not contain offensive or illegal elements,
• does not go against public order or morality.
There is no examination for similarity with earlier trademarks in the UK.
If your mark is similar to an existing one, the Office will not refuse it automatically.
Instead, the owners of earlier trademarks have the right to file an opposition to protect their prior rights.
3. Opposition
After the application is published, there is a two-month opposition period (which can be extended by one additional month upon request).
If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds to registration.
If an opposition is filed, the process becomes adversarial and may take several months to resolve.
4. Registration
If no oppositions are filed, the trademark is usually registered within 3.5–4 months from the filing date.
Once registered, you will receive an official registration certificate confirming your exclusive rights in the UK for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
5. Government fees (official UKIPO fees)
Number of Classes
Official Fee (GBP)
1 class
£404
2 classes
£452
3 classes
£499
4 classes
£547
6. Key points summary
• ⏳ Standard duration: 3–4 months (if no opposition)
• ⚖️ Examination type: only absolute grounds
• 🚫 No similarity check: only trademark owners can oppose
• 💷 Official fee: from £404 per application (1 class)
Next one - 48 £
• 🛡️ Protection term: 10 years, renewable