The trade mark regime

A ‘trade mark’ is a badge of origin that distinguishes the goods and services of one undertaking from those of another. For more information, see: Trade mark transactions and management—overview.

A UK trade mark is registered at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and once registered, affords protection across the UK. For more detailed information, see Practice Note: Application to register a UK trade mark.

An EU trade mark (EUTM) registration is a single, unitary, trade mark covering all EU Member States. An EUTM is obtained by means of a single trade mark application filed at the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). For more detailed information, see: Trade marks (EU Law)—overview.

As explained in the Brexit—comparable trade mark registrations section below, the UK’s decision to leave the EU means that the UK is no longer covered by the EUTM regime and is no longer subject to the corresponding EU legislation, although provision was made for the holders of certain