Trade marks are signs or symbols that distinguish goods or services from those of a competitor. Registration of trade marks provides a key form of protection for brands. We advise on the availability of trade marks for use and handle the registration of trade marks throughout the world.
| If you require information about trade marks in general, please download our Introduction to trade mark protection. |  |
| If you are an intellectual property attorney based outside Europe, please consult our note on UK and European trade mark practice. | |
The services we offer in relation to the enforcement of trade mark rights and transactions involving trade marks are outlined in their own dedicated sections.
Initial Assessment
We advise on the suitability of new trademarks from a legal perspective. We conduct searches to identify relevant existing trade mark rights that may affect the freedom to use a new trade mark and advise on how any identified risks can be managed. We also advise on the likelihood of being able to obtain registration and the best approach for doing so.
Drafting
We draw on our considerable experience in drafting specifications of goods and services to provide appropriate protection for our clients' trade marks. By properly framing the application, we can help avoid future objections and streamline the prosecution process, as well as ensuring that the client's business is effectively protected.
Prosecution
We prosecute trade mark applications to grant throughout the world. We prosecute applications directly before the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. With the assistance of local attorneys, we manage the efficient prosecution of overseas applications and ensure that a cohesive approach is taken to obtaining protection in all required jurisdictions.
We are experienced in defending against oppositions, acting decisively to protect the best interests of our clients.
Management
We handle all the administrative tasks associated with obtaining trade mark registrations. Due dates are docketed on our industry leading records system and we defer to clients as appropriate to their needs, with a view to minimising their administrative burden. Renewals are handled in-house, enabling us to provide a single point of contact for all aspects of the cases we handle.
We offer a watching service to monitor the filing of applications for trade mark rights that affect our clients' businesses and, where appropriate, handle objections and oppositions to conflicting rights.
Strategy
We help our clients develop effective trade mark strategies to complement their commercial position, ensuring that key products are protected and that rights are registered in appropriate jurisdictions.
We frequently review our clients' existing portfolios to identify strengths and weaknesses, thereby ensuring that appropriate action can be taken in a timely manner. As portfolios develop, we can provide regular, up-to-date schedules of pending and registered trade marks around the world.
