How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Name in the UK? A Guide for Businesses

Building a brand is one of the most exciting - and challenging - parts of running a business. Whether it’s your side hustle’s catchy name or a bold new logo for your latest venture, your brand is what helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace. But without legal protection, it can be all too easy for competitors to copy, imitate, or even steal what you’ve built.

That’s why many UK business owners ask, “How much does it cost to trademark a name?” Understanding the process and the costs involved in registering a trademark is key to making informed decisions about protecting your company’s most valuable asset - its identity.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of trademarking a business name in the UK, from what a trademark is, to how much trademark fees are, to navigating the process and common pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about expanding your brand, read on for everything you need to know to stay protected from day one.

What Is a Trade Mark and Why Register One?

A trade mark is a sign that distinguishes your business, product, or service from your competitors. This could be anything from a business name or brand name, to a logo, slogan, or even distinctive colours or sounds.

When you successfully register a trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office (often known as the “UK trademark office”), you get a registered trade mark. This gives you exclusive rights to use that name (or logo, tagline, etc.) in connection with your specified goods or services across the UK.

• What does trademark protection give you? It lets you take legal action against anyone who uses your name or brand without permission. You can also sell or license your trademark - making it a real business asset.
• Why is registration better than just using your brand? While unregistered trademarks (sometimes called “common law” marks) have very limited protection, a registered trademark is much stronger and easier to enforce. If you ever need to stop a copycat, this makes a world of difference.

To learn more about what a registered trademark is and why it’s crucial for your business, see our Essential Guide to Registering a Trade Mark for Your Business Name in the UK.

How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Name in the UK?

One of the first things business owners want to know is: how much does trademark cost in the UK? The answer depends on several factors, including what you want to protect and how broadly you want that protection to extend.

Here are the main costs to expect when trademarking a company name through the UK IPO:

• Standard online application: £170 for one class of goods/services
• Additional classes: £50 per extra class
• Series application: If you want to register a series of marks (for example, a business name in different fonts or colours), the fee for a series application starts at £50 extra

Each “class” refers to a category of goods or services, based on the UK’s classification system - the more you want to cover, the more it costs. For example, if you’re running a coffee shop and want your name protected for both food services and branded clothing merchandise, that’s two classes (so £170 + £50 = £220).

After successful registration, there are also renewal fees every 10 years to keep your trademark active (currently £200 for one class; £50 per additional class).

Pro tip: Trademark costs can vary if you apply by post, make mistakes, or have to defend an objection. Getting it right the first time helps you avoid extra expense and delays.

What Other Costs Should I Watch For?

While the UK IPO application fees are the starting point, there are some additional costs to keep in mind:

• Legal advice and trademark searches - Before you apply, it’s wise to conduct searches on the trade register UK (and sometimes on the EU trademark register) to check if your proposed name is available. Professional help here can save you from wasted fees on rejected marks.
• Drafting or reviewing the application - While DIY is possible, many businesses choose a specialist lawyer to ensure the application is complete, worded for maximum coverage, and meets all legal requirements. This usually costs from a few hundred pounds and up, based on complexity.
• Responding to objections or oppositions - If someone challenges your application, there may be extra legal costs to handle disputes or to revise your application.

Paying for trademark advice upfront can prevent far costlier problems later - like losing your brand, having to rebrand, or ending up in a drawn-out legal fight. For a deeper dive into the process, check our Guide to Applying for a Trade Mark in Britain.

Where Do I Apply for a Trademark Name in the UK?

You can register a trademark through the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). The online application is the most popular route. The process involves:

1. Filling out the application form - Including details of your name/logo, the goods or services you want covered, and the trade mark classes that apply.
2. Paying the trademark fees - Calculated based on the number of classes and whether it’s a standard or series application.
3. Waiting for examination - The IPO examines your application and may request clarifications or object if there are conflicts with existing marks. If accepted, the mark is published for opposition (anyone can challenge it at this stage).
4. Getting registered - If there’s no opposition (or you successfully overcome any), your name is officially registered as a UK trade mark.

For the official portal and more details, visit the UK IPO website. If you’re protecting a name for use in the EU as well, refer to our guide on UK and EU trademark registration.

Does a Trademark Protect My Business Name Forever?

A registered trade mark initially lasts 10 years, but you can renew it indefinitely by paying the renewal fees every decade. As long as you keep your trademark up-to-date and in active use, you have ongoing protection against anyone else trying to use a similar or identical name for similar goods or services.

What does trademark protection cover?

• Exclusive rights to use the name in your registered classes throughout the UK
• The ability to take legal action to stop confusingly similar uses by others - including “passing off” or direct copying
• The option to sell, license, or franchise your brand using the rights in your trade mark
• Extra brand credibility (the ® symbol) which can deter copycats

It’s important to note that having a registered company name at Companies House is not the same as trademarking a brand name. Only a UK IPO trade mark registration gives you full legal rights to your business name or logo.

Do I Need a Trade Mark for My Company or Brand Name?

If you’re serious about your business, trademarking your name is one of the smartest investments you can make. Here’s why:

• Stops competitors from copying or trading off your name
• Makes your brand more valuable - you can license it, sell it, or use it as a business asset
• Simplifies disputes - it’s much easier to enforce your rights against infringers
• Supports international expansion - a UK trademark can be a stepping stone to EU or global protection

If you’re thinking of building a privacy-focused business or planning to license your technology, trade mark registration can also support your long-term growth strategy.

What Happens If I Don’t Register My Trade Mark?

Without a registered trademark, you have no automatic right to stop others from using your business name or brand. You may be able to take limited action under “passing off” law, but that’s risky, expensive, and much harder to prove. Even if you registered your company at Companies House, someone with a registered trade mark can still force you to rebrand in the worst-case scenario.

Also, failing to register your trade mark can mean missing out on the ability to:

• Sell or franchise your brand for extra revenue
• Build a strong and defensible business valuation
• Expand into new product lines or markets without costly disputes

For more on how to protect your ideas and assets, see our guide on intellectual property protection in the UK.

Tips to Save Money (and Headaches) When Registering Your Trademark

• Do a thorough search first - Make sure your name isn’t already protected by checking the UK trade mark register and, if relevant, the EU trademark register. Professional help here is worth the investment.
• Choose your classes carefully - Only pay for the classes you truly need (over-applying adds unnecessary costs).
• Get your application right the first time - Mistakes can add costs and delays. Expert advice helps ensure your name, goods/services list, and the wording are spot on.
• Monitor for copycats - Once registered, keep an eye out for anyone using similar names or marks. Enforcing your rights early can stop disputes before they escalate.

If you’re considering trademarking a brand name - especially if you’re planning to grow, sell, or franchise your business - getting tailored legal advice can make a huge difference to your long-term results. Avoiding generic templates and DIY pitfalls pays off in peace of mind and real business value.

Key Takeaways

• Trademarking a business name in the UK involves an application fee of £170 for one class (plus £50 per additional class) paid to the UK Intellectual Property Office.
• The process can involve extra costs for trademark searches, legal advice, and resolving any objections or oppositions.
• A registered trade mark protects your exclusive right to use your business or brand name (and/or logo) for specified goods or services, and makes it easier to enforce your rights.
• Trade mark protection lasts 10 years at a time - as long as you pay your renewal fees and keep using the mark.
• Not registering your name leaves your business exposed to copycats, disputes, and forced rebrands.
• A trademark is a true asset for your company, supporting everything from growth and investment to franchising and licensing opportunities.
• It’s always a smart move to get legal guidance on your application to maximise protection and avoid costly mistakes.

If you’d like expert help registering your trade mark, protecting your brand, or navigating any intellectual property questions, reach out to us on team@sprintlaw.co.uk or call 08081347754 for a free, no-obligations chat. We’re here to help you stay protected and set your business up for long-term success.