Service classes range from education including animal training (Class 41) to food, drink and hotel services (Class 43). Product classes range from chemical products used in industry, science and agriculture such as adhesives and cosmetic ingredients (Class 1) through to musical instruments such as pianos (Class 15). Known as the Nice classification, you can review the full class list at the World Intellectual Property Organisation opens in new window.Įach class covers different industries and products. There are 45 different trademark classes: 34 covering goods and products and 11 covering services. Registering a trademark involves choosing the class of goods and services that you want the trademark to cover. For example, if possible, change the class in which you are applying to register the trademark, modify it, or get the existing owner’s permission. If a trademark search reveals an existing trademark or one similar to the one you wish to register, you have a few options. You can find a list of chartered attorneys at The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys opens in new window. It may be worth engaging a chartered trademark attorney to help, as they can conduct a more detailed search of registered trademarks. Searching the UKIPO database is free, though conducting a DIY search yourself can produce limited results. You can also search for symbols and phrases, returning a list of any similar trademarks and the class they are registered in. You can search for existing and expired trademarks using the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (UKIPO) database opens in new window. Different procedures apply for trade mark protection in other countries (as well as in Guernsey and Jersey).īefore applying to register a trademark in the UK, it’s vital to check whether existing or similar trademarks exist. Registering trade marks in the UK only protects a trade mark in the UK and the Isle of Man. Your trademark must be unique so common words or names can be tricky.Ĭonsider using a made-up name when thinking about what trademark you want to use.īrands such as Nike, Microsoft and Kodak are all fictional names that allowed them to be successfully established as a unique, trademarked business name.Ī trade mark can’t be registered if it’s misleading, offensive, uses a national flag without permission or uses an official emblem or hallmark. Trademarks that describe the goods or service, or that are a characteristic of the goods or services won’t be allowed.įor example, you can’t register the word MILK for a range of milk drinks or WINDOW CLEANER for a window cleaning service. A trademark cant be registered if it is too literal or descriptive. These can be words, logos, symbols, colours, images and even sounds. The first step in protecting your trademark is to know exactly what can be registered as a trademark opens in new window.Ī good sense check is to identify the elements of your brand that are unique to you. It’s full of tips on energy efficiency, dealing with late payments, and accessing finance guidance to support your business, whatever the future holds. To help make things a little easier we’ve created the Start Up Loans Guide to Business Resilience. We know it’s a tough time to be running a business or starting a new one.
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