A common and costly misunderstanding: registering your company at Companies House gives you a company name, but it does not protect your brand. Someone else can still trade under a similar name, and can even register it as a trademark and stop you using it. Real brand protection comes from a registered trademark through the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). This guide explains how to get one and why it matters.
UK Trademark Key Facts 2026
- Registered by: the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
- Cost: from £170 online (one class), £50 per extra class
- Duration: 10 years, renewable indefinitely
- Classes: 45 categories — you register for the goods/services you sell
- Company name ≠ trademark: Companies House does not protect brands
- Symbol: use ® only once registered; ™ can be used anytime
Why a company name isn't enough
Incorporation gives you the exclusive right to that exact company name on the register — nothing more. It does not stop a competitor using a similar trading name, logo or product brand. Only a registered trademark gives you the legal right to stop others using your brand on similar goods and services, and to take infringement action. See our company name rules for how the two differ.
What you can trademark
You can register words, logos, slogans, and in some cases shapes, colours or sounds — anything that distinguishes your goods or services. It must be distinctive and not merely descriptive: “Fresh Bread” for a bakery would likely be refused, while an invented or arbitrary name is far stronger. It also must not conflict with an existing registered mark.
Trademark classes
Trademarks are registered against 45 classes of goods and services (classes 1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services). You register only for the classes you actually trade in — a clothing brand might file in class 25 (clothing) and 35 (retail). Filing covers one class from £170, with each additional class £50. Choose classes carefully: you cannot add classes to an existing application later without a fresh filing.
The application process
First run a search of the IPO trademark database (and Companies House) to check nothing conflicts. Then apply online, describing the mark and selecting classes. The IPO examines the application, then publishes it for a two-month opposition period during which existing rights holders can object. If unopposed, the mark is registered — typically around four months from filing.
Once registered you can use the ® symbol; before registration you may use ™ to signal a claim.
Protecting your brand abroad
A UK trademark only protects you in the UK. If you sell internationally — for example as an e-commerce seller — consider the EU trademark (EUIPO) for the EU, national filings in key markets, or the Madrid Protocol international application to cover multiple countries from one filing. Register in your main markets before launching there, not after a dispute arises.
Register your company, then your brand
Start with a solid foundation — incorporate your UK company with 1st Formations from £12.99, then protect the brand you build.
View company packagesFAQ
Does registering a company protect my brand name?
No. Registering at Companies House only gives you rights to that exact company name on the register. It does not stop others using a similar trading name or brand. Only a registered trademark gives you enforceable rights over your brand for the goods and services you sell.
How much does a UK trademark cost?
Applying online costs from £170 for one class of goods or services, plus £50 for each additional class. A registered trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
What are trademark classes?
There are 45 classes covering different goods (classes 1–34) and services (classes 35–45). You register your trademark only for the classes that match what you sell. Choosing the right classes matters because you cannot add classes to an application later without filing again.
How long does UK trademark registration take?
Typically around four months if unopposed. After the IPO examines your application it is published for a two-month opposition period during which existing rights holders can object. If there are no objections, the trademark proceeds to registration.
Can I use the ® symbol on my brand?
You can only use ® once your trademark is officially registered. Before registration, you may use the ™ symbol to indicate that you are claiming rights in the mark, but ™ does not carry the same legal protection as a registered trademark.