Trade mark

A registered sign distinguishing your goods or services. Cheap, and most businesses do not have one.

What it means

A trade mark protects a name, logo, slogan or other sign. Registration is by class of goods or services, is territorial, and lasts ten years renewable indefinitely.

Why it matters

Registration gives a monopoly in the classes registered and makes enforcement straightforward. Without it you rely on passing off, which is expensive and uncertain.

What it looks like in practice

Search before you commit to a name — a rebrand forced by somebody else's earlier mark is expensive and avoidable.\n\nA company name at Companies House and a domain give no trade mark rights whatsoever.

What to watch out for

Registering in too few classes, or a mark that is descriptive. "Best Plumbing" is unlikely to be registrable because it describes the service.

Where to get proper advice

A trade mark attorney for anything contested. The IPO's own search and application service is usable directly for straightforward marks.