Filing a trade mark registration can be an expensive process, so it is unsurprising that many people question whether they should try to reduce costs by filing the application themselves, rather than employing a trade mark attorney. However, it is important to weigh up the potential savings against the risk of problems and higher costs later on that can come from not having professional help. Any errors made in your trade mark application can end up being very costly, both in time and money.
Correctly Filed Trade Mark Application
If your trade mark application is improperly filled in, or incorrectly filed, then it is very likely to be rejected and you will lose the filing fees. If you want to try again to register your trade mark, you will have to pay the full fees again, making the filing process a lot more costly than necessary. Using a trade mark lawyer to help you file your application means that it will be filled in correctly the first time, leading to a much lower risk that it will get rejected, saving you the cost of subsequent re-applications.
Using a trade mark attorney can also speed up the process of obtaining your trade mark. The application process can take 5-8 months depending on the type of trade mark. If you fill in the application yourself and it is rejected due to mistakes, you will have to re-apply and potentially wait another 8 months for your trade mark protection. A professional trade mark lawyer will know how to file your application correctly, greatly reducing the chance that your application will be rejected and the process will have to be repeated.
Once you file an application, your trade mark is provisionally protected, but you cannot enforce this protection by filing a trade mark infringement or damages claim until the trade mark registration is complete. If your application is rejected because you have filled it out incorrectly, this leaves you without protection and your competitors could use your mark without any legal consequences.
Trade Mark Classes & Descriptions
The trade mark application process is a lengthy and relatively complicated one, particularly when it comes to classifications. There are 45 classes of goods and services that you have to choose from, and often registrations fail because the incorrect class or classes were indicated on the application. In addition to this, if you select a class on your trade mark application, then don’t use your mark for those specific goods or services within 5 years or registration, your trade mark could be challenged and possibly revoked. A trade mark lawyer will be familiar with all of the classes and their definitions, and will be able to advise you on which ones you should select to protect your trade mark, removing the confusion and considerably decreasing the risk of your application being rejected.
Third parties, i.e. your competitors, have an opportunity to oppose your trade mark application as part of the registration process. If this happens, you will have to defend your application. In the UK, if you fail to defend your application, it is deemed to be abandoned and the you may be liable to pay third party costs. A trade mark attorney is best placed to advise on the necessary steps to take in case of an opposition. They will find the arguments to put forward for a case and can allow you to overcome that opposition.
UK or EU Registration
When registering a trade mark in the UK, you have a choice of applying for a UK trade mark, or an EU trade mark. The UK trade mark and EU trade mark provide different protections for your brand, and your trade mark attorney will be able to advise on which is best for your business and specific trade mark. Although the EU trade mark filing fees are more expensive than for a UK trade mark, your trade mark attorney will be able to let you know whether it is advisable to apply for EU protection to avoid potential greater costs and barriers to international trading in the future.
So how much does it actually cost to use a trade mark attorney to register a trade mark? Take a look at our trade mark calculator to get an idea of how much your application will cost with our team of experienced lawyers. We offer three different packages – Bronze, Silver and Gold – depending on the level of support you require, and our Gold package even comes with a money-back guarantee!* Plus, you can complete the entire process online with us – no need to come to our offices or spend hours on the phone.
Got more questions? Contact us with your query and we can phone or email you back, or you can talk to us using our live chat feature, we’re here to make the trade mark application process as easy and straightforward as possible for our clients.
*T&Cs apply
What is a trade mark class? A trade mark class, or classification, is a category which describes the type of goods or services your trade mark represents. E.g. Class 25 – clothing, footwear, headgear. Class 35 – advertising, business management, business administration Find out more about trade mark classes What is the difference between a UK trade mark and an EU trade mark? A UK trade mark protects your brand in the UK, and is less expensive to file than an EU trade mark. An EU trade mark, or Community Trade Mark, protects your brand in all 28 countries that are part of the EU. Find out more about UK and CTM trade marks
