The Trademark Helpline is thrilled to announce its latest innovations, further strengthening its role as a leading provider of accessible and cost-effective trademark services for UK businesses. In an environment where brand protection is increasingly essential, securing a UK trademark registration has become critical for businesses looking to protect their intellectual property and establish long-term brand security.
Reflecting on the company’s journey since its inception in 2008, Founder and Director Jonathan Paton said: “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.”
Since the UK lost the ability to file directly with the EU, the Trademark Helpline has adapted by forming alliances with trusted third parties across Europe. This expansion has allowed the company to broaden its reach, offering reliable and affordable legal support in key global markets such as 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,” Paton added.
In 2023, trademark applications in the UK reached over 163,000, reflecting a significant rise. However, the Trademark Helpline’s focus 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 notable addition to their service is the launch of the Trademark Helpline’s new online business platform, which is currently available to existing clients. This platform enables businesses to manage their trademark requirements online, offering self-service options while providing expert guidance from experienced trademark professionals. “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.
Recent delays at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have increased the time required to resolve contentious matters, such as trademark oppositions, which can now take between 12 and 18 months to settle. For this reason, the Trademark Helpline urges clients to conduct comprehensive research and act swiftly when filing trademarks. “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.
Today, the Trademark Helpline remains committed to providing accessible trademark application services both in the UK and globally, supporting businesses and entrepreneurs of all sizes to protect their brands at every stage.