A good brand name immediately distinguishes a business from its competitors and, over time, can become an extremely valuable asset in its own right. Consequently, it is vital that businesses protect their brands and this is primarily done by means of trade mark registration.Click here to find out more
The MOTOWN trade mark
We highlight an iconic global trade mark of African-American origin, dating from 1959, a time before US segregation was outlawed (1964) and before black people were allowed to vote in the US (1965)Click here to find out more
The difference between trade marks, patents, copyright and designs
You might find it helpful to think of these four areas along the following lines: trade marks are elements of branding; patents protect inventions; copyright protects original expression; and design law protects the appearance of products.Click here to find out more
Intellectual property, fashion, and the metaverse: opportunities and risks at the intersection of law, art and computer science
This article explores the potential benefits of the metaverse (and Web 3.0 more generally) for businesses, and to highlight some of the intellectual property (‘IP’) considerations and risks that are associated with a move into this space – particularly for those operating in the creative industries where the physical world is perhaps more readily transferable to the virtual.Click here to find out more
Trade mark disputes in the limelight – what can we learn from PR failures and successes?
“David and Goliath” is an oft-used phrase in headlines and articles reporting on trade mark disputes between “big, bad corporations” and small businesses or individuals. Whilst media commentary may have no bearing on the case in the courts, public perception is, of course, important to brand owners.Click here to find out more
Tesco Shown a Yellow (Club) Card
On 19 April 2023, the High Court of England and Wales handed down its long-awaited judgment in the battle between supermarket giants Lidl and Tesco. The case concerned the use of Tesco’s ‘Clubcard Prices’ sign, which was held to infringe Lidl’s registered trade mark rights and copyright in its ‘LIDL Logo’.Click here to find out more
A Trade Mark is a sign which serves to distinguish the goods or services of one trader from those of another. Registering a trade mark gives the owner the exclusive right to use the mark in relation to specified goods or services. A trade mark can be a very valuable asset to a business.What is a Trade Mark?
eXtraordinary idea or eXpensive mistake? The trade mark issues at the heart of Twitter’s re-brand to “X”
Musk’s latest announcement, that Twitter will be re-branded to “X”, has caused endless streams of online commentary, some of which concern the existing trade mark rights in the letter X.Click here to find out more
The importance of trade marks in the Food and Drink industry…from 1875 to present day.
A look at the early years of the trade marks register shows that food and drink companies, together with those trading in tobacco, made a good start in obtaining registered brand protection, clearly appreciating the value that such rights can bring. Only six of the trade mark registrations nos. 1 to 500 are still active but half of these are protected in relation to food and drink goods.Click here to find out more
Trade Mark Application Timeline
Download our simplified guide to the trade mark application process, including timescales and costs below or view our short video .Click here to find out more
Can I lose my trade mark?
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made it through the trade mark application procedure, and your trade mark has been officially registered.
This certainly feels like a conclusion, but it isn’t the end of the story. For instance, here are five ways you could actually end up losing your registered trade mark rights.Click here to find out more