Strategic trade mark advice for growing brands

Ideally, before launching a new brand, product, or entering a new market. Early advice helps you avoid costly mistakes such as choosing a name that infringes existing trade marks or that cannot be registered. Strategic advice is also valuable when planning a rebrand, expanding internationally, or structuring licensing arrangements.

A trade mark portfolio audit is a comprehensive review of all your existing trade mark registrations and applications. We assess coverage gaps, identify marks that may need renewal or updating, evaluate whether your portfolio aligns with your current business strategy, and recommend optimisations to strengthen your overall brand protection.

The decision depends on several factors: where you currently sell or provide services, where your products are manufactured, your plans for international expansion, and where your key competitors operate. We help you prioritise markets based on commercial importance and risk, ensuring you get the most value from your trade mark budget.

A trade mark search identifies existing marks that are identical or similar to yours on the register. A clearance opinion goes further — it provides a legal analysis of the risk of proceeding with your mark, considering factors such as the similarity of goods and services, the likelihood of confusion, and any potential defences.

Yes. We provide strategic advice on all types of trade mark disputes, including opposition proceedings, cancellation actions, and infringement matters. Our approach focuses on achieving practical, commercially sensible outcomes through negotiation where possible, and formal proceedings when necessary.

No. Registering a business name, company name, or domain name does not give you trade mark rights. A business name registration simply allows you to trade under that name, while a trade mark registration gives you the exclusive legal right to use that name in connection with your goods or services. Without a trade mark, another business could register the same or a similar name as a trade mark and potentially prevent you from using it.