Auntie Jane's Trade Mark Tips: No. 2 - EU and British Trade Marks

Jane Lambert

Updated 23 May 2022

Businesses can protect their brand in the UK by applying to the Intellectual Property Office ("IPO") for a British trade mark and in the EU by applying to the EU Intellectual Property Office ("EUIPO") for an EU trade mark which will take effect in every EU member state.

The conditions for obtaining an EU trade mark are very similar to those for obtaining a British trade mark. So, too, are the rights granted upon registration. It is rather more expensive to obtain an EU registration than a British one but then your mark is protected in 27 countries.

The EUIPO is located in Alicante in Spain which seems a very nice place:

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The IPO is in Newport in South Wales.  Maybe not quite so glamorous but jolly nice all the same.

You will find my other tips indexed here.

If you are an entrepreneur, business owner or anyone else seeking guidance on UK trade mark law, I can give you up to 30 minutes of my time for initial advice and signposting. That may not be enough time to dispose of your issue but it should be enough to define it and assess what further assistance you need, what sort of professional is best placed to supply it and how and where to find such assistance.