How long does a UK trademark take?
If there are no problems, a UK trade mark is usually registered about 3 to 4 months after you apply. Most of that time is the 2-month window when anyone can oppose. An objection or an opposition can add months.
- Day 0You apply.You get an application number straight away. Your filing date is the date your rights will count from once registered. The application also appears on gov.uk at once.
- Within 2 to 3 weeksExamination report.UKIPO checks the name meets the rules and searches for similar earlier marks. If it finds any, it writes to you and to their owners.
- If there is an objectionUp to 2 months to fix it.For example, by making the list of goods clearer or dropping a term.
- NextPublished in the Trade Marks Journal.The Journal comes out every week.
- 2 monthsOpposition period.Anyone can oppose. If someone files a notice of threatened opposition (form TM7A), they get 3 months instead of 2.
- About 10 weeks after publicationRegistered.If no one opposes, you get your certificate. The mark lasts 10 years.
What makes it take longer
- An objection at examination. The usual causes are a name that describes the product ("Fresh Bread" for bread) and goods described in vague words. You have 2 months to respond. Talk to the examiner first: their details are on the report. If you miss the deadline, form TM9R asks for more time and costs £125.
- A threatened opposition. A TM7A stretches the window from 2 months to 3.
- An opposition. This becomes a dispute between you and the opponent, and it can take many months. We do not handle oppositions. If it happens, we email you the deadline and introduce you to a qualified, regulated professional.
- A paper application. Post adds days at each step, and it costs more (£250 against £205 online).
- Right Start. UKIPO checks your application before you pay the full fee. You then have up to 28 days to decide whether to continue, which can add time.
What you can do while it is pending
- Trade under the name. Nothing stops you selling while the application is going through.
- Use ™. Anyone can use ™. Using ® on a mark you know is not registered can be an offence.
- Apply to Amazon Brand Registry. Amazon says that in some cases you can enrol with a pending trademark. How it works.
- Ignore unexpected invoices. Once your application is public, you may get letters that look like they come from UKIPO, asking for money for "registration" or "publication". gov.uk warns these come from fraudulent companies. UKIPO's fees are paid when you apply.
- Watch the status. UKIPO's free case lookup shows where your application is. How to check it.
The earlier you file, the earlier your date
Check your name first. We search the UK register and email you the result within 1 working day, free. If it looks clear, our filing is £374 in total for one class (our fee £169 + UKIPO fee £205). We check your application's status every week and email you when it changes.
Can I use my brand while the application is pending?
Yes. You can trade under the name and use the ™ symbol. Do not use ® until the mark is registered.
When does protection start?
Once registered, the mark is treated as registered from the filing date. You cannot sue for infringement until it is actually registered.
How long does a UK trademark last?
10 years from the filing date. You can renew it every 10 years, for as long as you like.
Can I speed it up?
The biggest delays are objections and oppositions. Searching the register first and using clear, accepted wording for your goods and services avoids most of them.
- 3 to 4 months; examination report in 2 to 3 weeks; 2 months to resolve objections; 2-month publication: gov.uk, After you apply.
- Registered about 10 weeks after publication: gov.uk, When your trade mark is registered.
- Late extension (TM9R, £125, after a missed deadline), paper fee (£250): gov.uk, Trade mark forms and fees.
- TM7A, 3 months: Trade Marks Rules 2008 r17.
- Registration dated from filing: Trade Marks Act 1994 s40(3); falsely claiming registration: s95.
- Fraudulent invoices: gov.uk, Renew your trade mark.
Checked 11 November 2026. UKIPO's real times vary with demand. We are a private filing service, not UKIPO.