Pre-Application Search
The advantage of the search is that it identifies potential problems with the application before you commit to paying the full application fee, which is not refunded in the event of an unsuccessful application. Most of these problems can be dealt with (and establishing initial contact with the UK Trademark Registry through the pre-application search is a useful way to achieve this), while some may not (in which case you will have avoided paying the full application fee).
What does the search do?
- In order to be successful in a registration application, a mark has to be distinctive in relation to the sort of goods or services for which the application is made: marks which are purely descriptive, and which don't distinguish a business from similar businesses, are not likely to be accepted.
- A search against similar sounding and looking trademarks. The free search we offer is carried out on an 'exact' mark, but does not extend to similar marks. Why is it important to check these? Because the Trademark Registry will as a matter of procedure notify the holders of any similar sounding/looking marks of your application to register your trademark. If these third party holders object to your mark it may hold up the registration process if we have to negotiate with them to reach some form of accomodation This may mean having to withdraw your application entirely, or simply agreeing to limit or reword the types of goods or services we list under the classes you choose.
We will provide you with a costs estimate for conducting a comprehensive search (which includes words, logos and designs) upon receipt of your request. Generally our costs for undertaking a full UK and EU search are in the region of £90 - £150 (excluding VAT) per trademark/design but they may be greater than this depending upon your particular requirements. UK Only costs are reflected below.
Word or Logo Marks (i.e. device or word and device) (UK Only)
|
No. of Classes |
Search Fee |
VAT |
UK IPO Fees |
Total |
|
1 |
£50.00 |
£8.75 |
£100.00 |
£158.75 |
|
2 |
£50.00 |
£8.75 |
£150.00 |
£208.75 |
|
3 |
£50.00 |
£8.75 |
£200.00 |
£258.75 |
|
4 (etc.) |
£50.00 |
£8.75 |
£250.00 |
£308.75 |
For searches outside the UK (i.e. EU), we charge a standard search fee (non-UK) of £90 plus VAT for searches against word marks in a single class and £150 plus VAT for searches against logo/device marks in a single class. We charge an additional £15 plus VAT for each additional class in excess of one. Please see the tables below to see how these search fees are calculated.
Word Marks (Outside UK)
|
No. of Classes |
Search Fee |
VAT |
Total |
|
1 |
£90.00 |
£15.75 |
£105.75 |
|
2 |
£105.00 |
£18.38 |
£123.38 |
|
3 |
£120.00 |
£21.00 |
£141.00 |
|
4 (etc.) |
£135.00 |
£23.63 |
£158.63 |
Logo Marks (i.e. device or word and device) (Outside UK)
|
No. of Classes |
Search Fee |
VAT |
Total |
|
1 |
£150.00 |
£26.25 |
£176.25 |
|
2 |
£165.00 |
£28.88 |
£193.88 |
|
3 |
£180.00 |
£31.50 |
£211.50 |
|
4 (etc.) |
£195.00 |
£34.13 |
£229.13 |