How much does it cost to register a trade mark in the UK?

Filing a trade mark in the United Kingdom costs from £170 for the first class and £50 for each additional class if you file directly with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). If you file via the Madrid Protocol from Australia, costs start from around AUD 4,300 for a single-class application including WIPO fees and professional fees.

Since the UK left the EU, it is no longer covered by an EU trade mark registration. If you need protection in both the UK and the EU, you will need to file separately in each.

This article covers the government fees, cost drivers, and how direct filing compares with the Madrid Protocol.

Need a cost estimate? Use our international filing fee calculator for a personalised quote, or contact us to discuss your UK filing strategy.

Quick cost summary

Filing method	First class	Each additional class
UKIPO direct (online)	£170	£50
Madrid Protocol (WIPO fees only)	653 CHF base + 202 CHF (UK designation)	202 CHF
Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 4,300 total	Additional class fees apply

All fees are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Check the UKIPO fee schedule and WIPO Madrid fee calculator for the latest rates.

What affects the cost?

Number of classes

The UKIPO charges a reduced rate for additional classes (£50 each after the first), which makes multi-class applications relatively affordable compared to many other jurisdictions. Most small businesses need one or two classes.

Filing method

You can file online or by post with the UKIPO. Online filing is cheaper and faster. Paper applications cost more and take longer to process.

Professional fees

If you engage a trade mark attorney to handle your application, their fees will be in addition to the UKIPO government fees. UK attorney fees for a straightforward single-class application typically range from £300 to £1,500 depending on the scope of service.

Post-filing costs

If the UKIPO raises objections during examination, or if a third party opposes your application, resolving those issues adds to the total cost.

Direct filing vs Madrid Protocol

Filing directly with UKIPO

Item	Cost
UKIPO filing fee (first class, online)	£170
Each additional class	£50
UK attorney (if used)	£300–1,500+
Estimated total (one class, no attorney)	£170
Estimated total (one class, with attorney)	£470–1,670+

Pros:

• Very affordable government fees, especially for multi-class applications
• The registration is standalone and independent of your Australian registration
• No WIPO base fee to pay
• Straightforward online filing system

Cons:

• Foreign applicants need a UK address for service (a UK attorney can provide this)
• You must manage the application separately from other international filings
• Only covers the UK, not the EU

Filing via the Madrid Protocol

Item	Cost
WIPO base fee	653 CHF (~AUD 1,050)
UK designation fee	202 CHF (~AUD 330)
Professional service fee	From AUD 2,750 (covers up to 3 countries)
Estimated total (one class)	From ~AUD 4,300

Pros:

• Single application can cover the UK and other countries simultaneously
• No need for a UK address for service at the filing stage
• Centralised management of your international portfolio

Cons:

• The international registration depends on your base Australian registration for the first five years
• More expensive than filing directly if the UK is the only country you need
• WIPO base fee makes it less cost-effective for a single designation

Key consideration: If the UK is the only country you need to protect, filing directly with the UKIPO is likely the cheaper option. If you're filing in multiple countries, the Madrid Protocol becomes more cost-effective because you only pay the WIPO base fee once.

For a detailed comparison, see our article on the pros and cons of filing directly vs using WIPO.

Local agent requirements

If you file directly with the UKIPO, you need a UK address for service. If you don't have a UK business address, a UK trade mark attorney can act as your address for service.

If you file via the Madrid Protocol, a UK address for service is not required at the filing stage. However, if the UKIPO raises objections, you may need a local representative to respond.

Renewal fees and obligations

UK trade mark registrations last for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.

Requirement	When	Fee
Renewal (first class)	Every 10 years	£200
Each additional class	At renewal	£50

Unlike the US, the UK does not require periodic proof of use to maintain a registration. However, a UK trade mark can be revoked by a third party if it has not been genuinely used in the UK for a continuous period of five years.

Example cost scenarios

Scenario	Approx. cost
One class, direct filing (DIY, online)	£170
One class, direct filing + UK attorney	£470–1,670
Two classes, direct filing (DIY, online)	£220
One class, Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 4,300
UK + EU + US via Madrid (one class each)	From ~AUD 6,600

Use our international filing fee calculator for a tailored estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to trade mark a name in the UK?

The UKIPO charges £170 for the first class and £50 for each additional class when filing online. If you use a trade mark attorney, their fees will typically add £300 to £1,500. Filing via the Madrid Protocol from Australia starts from around AUD 4,300 for one class.

Do I need a UK attorney to file a trade mark?

Not technically, but you do need a UK address for service if filing directly. Most foreign applicants use a UK attorney to satisfy this requirement and to ensure the application is properly prepared. If filing via the Madrid Protocol, no UK attorney is needed at the filing stage.

How long does UK trade mark registration take?

The UKIPO typically processes applications within 3 to 6 months if there are no objections or oppositions. The application is examined and, if accepted, published for a two-month opposition period before registration.

Does the UK trade mark cover the EU?

No. Since the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, a UK trade mark only covers the United Kingdom. To protect your mark in the EU, you need a separate EU trade mark (EUTM) filed with the EUIPO. See our article on the cost to file a trade mark in Europe.

Do I need to use my trade mark in the UK to keep it registered?

There is no mandatory use filing requirement, unlike the US. However, your UK registration can be revoked by a third party if the mark has not been put to genuine use in the UK for a continuous period of five years. It is good practice to use your mark and keep evidence of that use.

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For a step-by-step guide to registering a trade mark in the UK, see our UK trade mark registration guide. For an overview of international filing options, see how to file an international trade mark.

Ready to protect your brand in the UK? Get a fee estimate or contact us to discuss your options.

Please note, the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice tailored to you and your circumstances.