The Trademark Helpline has unveiled new innovations, reaffirming its status as a leader in providing accessible and affordable trademark services for UK companies. As brand security grows in importance, registering a UK trademark is crucial for businesses looking to protect their intellectual property and secure brand value.
Founder and Director Jonathan Paton reflected on the evolution of the company since 2008: “Our goal was to offer an affordable alternative to legal professionals, making UK and EU trademark applications accessible for all. Fast forward to today, and the trademark landscape has changed significantly, especially post-Brexit.”
In response to the UK losing direct EU filing rights, the Trademark Helpline has formed partnerships with trusted third-party firms in Europe, enabling them to offer dependable and affordable legal support in markets like Dubai and the United States. “Today, we proudly represent our clients not only for UK trademark applications but also in advising on their applications overseas,” said Paton.
With a rise in UK trademark filings reaching over 163,000 in 2023, the demand for trademark protection is clear. However, the focus at Trademark Helpline has shifted. “Historically, 75% of our workload involved new UK trademark applications, but now the majority of our time is dedicated to enforcing trademarks for our 4,500+ clients. This change is largely due to our monthly monitoring services, which help detect potential infringements across various platforms, including domain registrations and social media. Early detection allows us to take swift action, minimising our clients’ exposure to potentially costly legal disputes,” Paton explained.
A major new development is the Trademark Helpline’s free online business platform, which is now available to current clients. This platform provides businesses with self-service options for managing trademarks online, while still giving access to expert support. “As we complete beta testing, we aim to make this platform available to every trademark owner in the UK. Our goal is to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality, reliable trademark application services,” Paton stated.
Delays at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have significantly extended the time needed to resolve issues like trademark oppositions, now often taking up to 18 months. Trademark Helpline advises clients to perform detailed research and act promptly. “Our Initial Brand Audit remains central to our trademark application process; this first step helps clients avoid costly periods in ‘trademark application limbo,’ especially as brands seek to invest in marketing and promotion with confidence. When a professionally filed UK application with The Trademark Helpline costs less than £5 a month, there’s no reason professional trademark advice shouldn’t be accessible to businesses of all sizes,” Paton emphasised.
The Trademark Helpline remains committed to offering comprehensive UK and international trademark application services, supporting all types of businesses to safeguard their brands.