Before submitting a trade mark application, we recommend that a preliminary search for possible conflicting marks be carried out. This is to ensure that your chosen name/logo does not infringe any existing registered trade marks and that it meets the requirements for registration based on the Trade Marks Act 1994 and Trade Marks Rules 2000 (as modified).

Conducting a preliminary search could save your business the expense of making an application, which has little or no chance of being accepted for registration. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a preliminary search before submitting the application as once it has been submitted to the UK IPO, you cannot alter it and your application fee is none refundable.

We will conduct a thorough search of the relevant trade mark databases to identify any existing identical or similar trade marks that may cause a problem to your application. We will inform you of what (if any) marks we have found and our opinion on how we feel these marks will affect your trade mark application. In addition, we will also inform you of the registrability of your trade mark as it must clearly distinguish your goods or services from those of other traders. Furthermore, we will also include our recommendations on the classifications that your goods/services should be registered under.

The classification system is comprised of 45 Classes and groups together broadly similar goods or services into categories which assists the registry in carrying out efficient searches of the register. Whilst classification may be seen as an administrative tool its importance to applicants in relation to determining the boundaries of infringement rights cannot be stressed too highly. If the classification of the goods or services on an application is made incorrectly, the validity of any rights stemming from a subsequent registration might be called into question at a later date, which could result in a mark being the subject of proceedings to remove it from the register.

To submit your proposed trade mark for our preliminary search with no obligation to proceed, use the apply now button at the top of the page or click here. You will then receive your invoice by email for the amount of £50.00 plus VAT. Your Preliminary Search Report will be emailed to you within 24 hours upon receipt of payment.