FAQs

A trade mark is a form of intellectual property which distinguishes the goods or services of one trader from another and can take various forms: words, logos, slogans, shapes, sounds and colours etc. A trade mark must not cause confusion amongst consumers in relation to trade marks of other businesses.

A trade mark attorney is essential, as they will navigate you through the difficult process of transforming your ideas into registered trade marks and designs. Our attorneys are legal experts, who have spent years obtaining the necessary qualifications to be best placed to advise you on the appropriate commercial and strategic approach for your budget. Without an attorney, the risk of complications, which can lead to delays and increased costs, is significantly higher.

In the UK and EU, trade mark protection lasts for 10 years. There are no maintenance costs once the trade mark is registered and so when considering the longevity of your protection, filing a mark is not as expensive as you may think. Please contact us for further details, we will be happy to provide you with a quote.

In the UK, registration generally takes 3-4 months for a smooth application. In the EU, registration can take slightly longer, you can expect your mark to be registered in 5-6 months if we do not encounter significant problems. If you are considering international filings, the timeframe can be more difficult to determine. However, we are happy to provide you with a free consultation in order to provide you with the advice you seek.

A registered design protects the appearance of a product. Protectable features may include lines and contours, shape, colour, material, texture or ornamentation. To be registrable, registered designs must (i) be novel, and (ii) possess individual character. In the UK and EU, design protection lasts for 5 years and can be renewed up to a maximum of 25 years.