Publication and Registration of UK Trade Marks

Once the formalities of a UK trade mark application have been dealt with (fees paid, TM3 filed etc) and the absolute grounds have been dealt with then the examiner will issue his examination report. This report has details of all the marks that the examiner feels are similar to your proposed mark and that he will notify (i.e. tell) about your application.

Publication

The owners of the marks raised in the Examination report will be written to and given the opportunity to oppose the application during what is known as the publication stage which lasts for an initial period of two months. If someone wishes to oppose the application then they will file a TM7a this shows their intention to oppose and extends the publication period by a further month. During this time the opponent can formerly oppose the application in which case we would move to opposition proceedings or alternatively they can do nothing (perhaps hoping that the applicant withdraws of its own back) and let the application proceed to registration.

Registration

If no opposition is raised during the 2 month publication period (or after the 3 month period if a TM7a is filed) the mark will be registered. The registration lasts for 10 years and can be renewed every 10 years after that.