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Your logo is the front door to your brand, so when it comes to protecting your brand assets, trademarking your logo provides you with the security needed against others imitating your brand whether purposefully or inadvertently. Here we outline 5 simple steps to trademark your logo.

1. Decide what to trademark

 Before we can even begin the process of trademarking you must first decide what part of your brand to trademark. Under the protection law, the UK Intellectual Property Office states any unique symbol or design that distinguishes your business is eligible whether it’s a logo, combination of words, images, phrases, shapes or corporate colours.

2. Avoid infringing other trademarks

Infringing another’s trademark can lead to legal action, even if it is accidental. Once you’ve decided what you’re going to trademark, ensure it hasn’t already been filed by another company.

Currently, there are 3 different types of trademarks in the UK to be aware of. Check out our What are the 3 types of trademarks blog to find out more about these…

3. Trademarking your logo online

Having decided on what to trademark and ensuring there is no chance of infringement you can proceed with trademarking your logo online. 

If you decide to take on this step yourself, remember that trademarking a logo is intricate, once you start any future issues can waste both time and money. 

However, the Institute of Trade Mark attorneys lists many agencies who can carry out the process on your behalf.

4. Filing your application 

Once you’re ready to file your application, the next step is working out how far geographically your logo needs protecting. 

There are two options to choose from, a UK trademark, or a community trademark (which protects your brand across the EU).

5. Finalise

Once complete, your application can take an estimated 4-5 months for a UK trademark or 9-12 months for a community trademark. However, once this process is complete, your logo will be fully protected as your intellectual property. 

Otters Design is a full-service graphic design agency in London and Surrey. Contact us today to discuss rebranding your logos design.