注册英国商标
如何在英国注册和保护商标。
概述
A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to use your brand in connection with the goods or services it is registered for in the UK. Registration lasts 10 years and is renewable indefinitely. The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) processes applications. A successful registration gives you the right to use the ® symbol and to take legal action against anyone who uses your mark without permission. Trademarks must be distinctive and not merely descriptive of the goods or services.
逐步流程
Search Existing Trademarks
Search the UKIPO trademark database and the EU trademark database (EUIPO) for identical or similar marks. Consider instructing a trademark attorney for a comprehensive search including common law (unregistered) rights.
- Free search available at trademarks.ipo.gov.uk
- Also search Companies House and domain registrars
- A professional clearance search costs £300–£800
Choose Your Classes
Identify the Nice Classification classes for your goods and services. The UK uses the international Nice system with 45 classes (34 for goods, 11 for services). Each additional class increases the fee.
- Application fee: £170 for one class + £50 per additional class
- Choose classes carefully — you cannot add classes later without a new application
- Over-broad specifications may be challenged
File Your Application
Apply online at the UKIPO website. You'll need: the mark (word, logo, or both), the classes of goods/services, your name and address, and payment.
- Online application is cheaper than paper (£170 vs £200 for first class)
- You can claim priority from an earlier application in another country if filed within 6 months
- The filing date establishes your priority
Examination and Publication
The UKIPO examiner checks your application against absolute grounds (distinctiveness, descriptiveness) and relative grounds (conflict with earlier marks). If issues arise, you can respond. If accepted, the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for a 2-month opposition period.
- You have 2 months to respond to examination objections (extendable)
- The opposition period allows third parties to oppose registration
- Most applications proceed without opposition
Registration and Enforcement
If no opposition is filed (or opposition is unsuccessful), the mark is registered and you receive a registration certificate. You can then use ® and enforce your rights against infringers through negotiation, cease and desist letters, or court proceedings.
- Registration lasts 10 years from filing date
- Set reminders for renewal deadlines
- Monitor the market for potential infringements
- Non-use for 5+ years makes the mark vulnerable to revocation
费用
重要警告
Using ® before your mark is registered is a criminal offence (Trade Marks Act 1994, s.95).
Trademark registration does not give you automatic rights to a domain name or company name.
If you don't use your trademark for 5 continuous years, anyone can apply to revoke it for non-use.