Technically, no attorney is needed to register your trademark. However, if you want to ensure a smooth and quick application process and have an expert to hand, we strongly recommend you work with one.

The trade mark application itself appears surprisingly simple. However, there are some application mistakes which can only be corrected by starting over again and filing a new registration application. Also, if you want to register a design or logo rather than just a word the trade mark application does become more complicated. Using a trade mark attorney will help you to avoid common application mistakes and therefore saving you time and may even save you money.

If someone opposes your trade mark registration application, that is the point where you should almost immediately consider working with a trade mark specialist.

Intellectual Property companies like Downing IP can take care of the application process for you and ensure you have a strong case. They can;

• Search marks to clear them for use
• Help you in choosing which mark or marks to register and for which goods and/or services
• Advise on the right fees to pay and ensure they are paid on time 
• Ensure deadlines and keep track of renewals
• There will be further costs in addition to the Registry fee

Read our article on How much does it cost to register a trademark

Trade Mark Scams

When applying for a trade mark during your application process, you may be a victim of trade mark fraud, where organisations send non-official invoices and letters requesting information and/or fees, which are misleading and look very professional. By working with a trade mark attorney, you can seek professional guidance if you were to receive any misleading invoices, emails or letters from companies who look like they are trading illegally.

Read our article on How to identify trademark scams and invoice fraud

How long does the application process take?

The length of the process depends on whether there are any objections to the registration of your Trade Mark. In the UK, a straightforward application can take between 6-9 months to process. However, there is also the option to fast-track your application which means the process can take around 4 months to complete.

Registering a Trade Mark can be a lengthy, complicated, and stressful process but with the help of a trade mark specialist they will support and advise you along the way.
 

Michael Downing is a trade mark specialist at Downing IP and says “There is significant long term damage that can be caused by filing your own trademark, or relying on a one-size-fits-all service provided by non-attorneys. Hiring a Trade Mark Attorney to get it right the first time is a much more efficient route to take”

How Downing IP can help

If your business needs help or advice with any aspects of trade mark registration and protection, we would be happy to hear from you.

We work closely with solicitors, inventors, designers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and business professionals protecting their or their client’s intellectual property rights.

As specialists in the field of Intellectual Property, Downing IP can also help with your Patent application and Design protection.

You can contact a member of the Downing IP team on 01494 422626 or email us at info@downing-ip.com