You’ve spent hours working with your designer, tweaking, and obsessing over your logo. It’s more than a pretty mark – it’s the face of your brand, the thing people recognise you by. The last thing you want is someone else copying it, confusing your customers, or worse, claiming it as their own.
That’s where trademarking comes in. Think of it like putting a padlock on your logo, it keeps it safe, makes it legally yours, and tells the world “hands off.”
Here’s an easy to digest guide on how to trademark your logo in the UK and why it’s a smart move.
Step 1: Check your logo’s originality
Before you apply, make sure your design is distinctive. If it’s too generic, perhaps a coffee cup for a coffee shop, you might struggle.
Do a quick search on the UKIPO trademark database to see if anyone’s already registered something similar in your industry. Better to find out now than later. Start your search here.
Step 2: Choose the right class
Trademarks aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re grouped into ‘classes’ (there are 45 in total).
- Selling clothes? That’s Class 25.
- Running a café? That’s Class 43.
- Launching an app? Class 9.
Pick the class (or classes) that actually match your business and are going to provide you with the most protection. Take a look at classes here.
Step 3: File your application
When applying you have two main routes:
- Standard application: Straightforward, online and costs £170 for one class (+£50 per extra class).
- Right Start: A two-step option where the UKIPO checks your application before you commit fully. Handy if you’re unsure if your mark meets the basic regulatory requirements. This option costs £200 (£100 up front plus £100 if you go ahead with your registration)
The application will ask for your logo artwork (in the exact format and layout you want to protect), your details, and the classes you’re claiming.
Step 4: Time to wait it out
Once you apply:
- UKIPO checks your application.
- Your logo gets published in the Trade Marks Journal for 2 months, giving others a chance to object.
- If no one objects (or any issues are sorted), then you’re officially registered!
On average, the whole process can take around 3–4 months.
Check out the Trade Marks Journal here.
Why bother trademarking your logo?
A logo isn’t just decoration, it’s your reputation wrapped up in a symbol. Trademarking it gives you:
- Legal protection: If someone copies your logo, you can take action.
- Peace of mind: You know your brand identity is safe.
- Business value: Trademarks are assets, you can licence them, sell them, or use them to attract investors.
- Credibility: Being ‘official’ adds weight with clients and partners.
- Pride: Ownership of your brand’s identity is a priceless asset that can live on through generations.
Quick tips for success
- Keep your logo simple but distinctive, the more unique, the easier to protect.
- Trademark the version you actually use (black-and-white is often safer if you use multiple colours).
- Keep proof of using your logo (on packaging, websites, invoices).
- Don’t leave it too late, file before your brand gets big!
Final thought
You’ve poured time and investment into your logo, don’t leave it unguarded. Trademarking might not feel as fun as the design stage, but it’s the step that provides you with true ownership of your identity.
Think of it as part of the design process: you craft it, refine it, then protect it. Because a good logo doesn’t just look good… it lasts.
