Timeline

How long it takes

With no objections and no oppositions, a UK trade mark is usually registered about 3 to 4 months after filing.

Step by step

Day 0We file your application.You get a filing receipt and a case number. Your filing date is your priority date.
About 2 weeksUKIPO examines it.UKIPO aims to send its first examination report within 10 working days of the filing receipt. It checks the rules and searches for earlier similar marks.
If there is an objectionYou get time to reply.The examination report sets a deadline to answer or amend. We draft the change with you. This adds time.
Shortly after acceptancePublished in the Trade Marks Journal.The Journal comes out every week. Owners of earlier marks UKIPO found may be told about your application.
2 monthsOpposition period.Anyone can oppose within 2 months of publication. If someone files a notice of threatened opposition (form TM7A) in that time, they get 3 months.
About 2 weeks laterRegistered.If no one opposes, the mark is registered about 2 weeks after the opposition period ends. You get the certificate. Protection lasts 10 years.

When it takes longer

An objection at examination: the time you take to reply, plus UKIPO's review.
A TM7A: the opposition period goes from 2 to 3 months.
An opposition: this can take many months or more. We introduce you to a qualified, regulated professional.

Sources

"Usually around 3 to 4 months from application" if there are no issues: gov.uk, Register a trade mark.
First report within 10 working days: gov.uk, IPO customer service standards.
2-month opposition period, 3 months with a TM7A: gov.uk, Fast track opposition; Trade Marks Act 1994 s38; Trade Marks Rules 2008 r17.
Registration about 2 weeks after the opposition period: UKIPO, Journal publication and registration timetable.
10 years, renewable: Trade Marks Act 1994 s42.

Checked 11 November 2026. UKIPO's real times can vary with demand.