MEMO ON TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN ENGLAND
I. REQUIREMENT DOCUMENTS
a. Name, address and nationality of applicant;
b. Details of the trademark being registered;
c. A list of goods and services for including in the application
NOTE: No documents signed by the applicant (e.g. Powers of Attorney) are required.
II. GENERAL TIME FRAME OF TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN A SMOOTH CASE
The approximate time from application to registration (for a regular prosecution, without opposition) is 6 months, assuming that no Office Action is needed.
III. VALIDITY TERM
The duration of the protection of a trademark right is 10 years from the date of application of the trademark, which may be renewed every 10 years.
For the renewal of a trademark registration, an application for the renewal must be filed 6 months before the expiration date of the registration. The trademark may be renewed within six months after the renewal due date providing that a corresponding surcharge has been paid.
IV. PROCEDURE
1. Formal and Substantive Examination
The UK Trade Mark Office are currently taking 2-3 months to examine new trade mark applications.
Note: The UK Trade Mark Office only refuse trade mark applications on absolute grounds and not relative grounds (although they will notify the owners of earlier similar registrations of the existence of a new trade mark application for a similar trade mark in respect of similar goods/services).
2. Publication
If a trademark application has been accepted by the Registrar, it is published in the Journal. Within two (02) months of publication, any person may file a duly reasoned objection to a registration of trademark application. The said term may be extended to 3 months upon request from a potential opponent.
3. Registration
Provided that no oppositions are filed, the application should proceed to registration within 2-3 weeks from expiry of the opposition period. Trade mark will be registered once any oppositions are resolved, the holder will get a certificate to confirm this.
In case you require more information or require advice on trademark in England... as well as other IP matters, please do not hesitate to contact us via:
Email: info@lawfirmelite.com
Tel: (+84-24) 3 7373051
Fax: (+84-24) 3 7373056
