The Trademark Helpline has introduced several new features, reinforcing its position as a leader in affordable and accessible trademark services for UK businesses. As brand protection becomes a priority, securing UK trademark registration is essential for businesses aiming to safeguard their intellectual property and ensure lasting brand integrity.
Founder and Director Jonathan Paton spoke about the company’s progress since it was founded in 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.”
Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, which ended direct filing access, the Trademark Helpline responded by partnering with reliable third-party providers across Europe. This expansion enables the company to offer affordable legal support in vital markets, including 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,” added Paton.
With over 163,000 trademark applications submitted in the UK in 2023, the demand is clear. Yet, the focus at Trademark Helpline has evolved. “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.
One of the latest features is the Trademark Helpline’s free business platform, now available to current clients. This platform allows companies to manage their trademark needs online, offering self-service options while keeping access to professional guidance. “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.
Lengthy delays at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have extended the process for handling contentious issues, such as trademark oppositions, which can now take up to 18 months. Trademark Helpline recommends clients conduct thorough research and move quickly on filings. “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 continues to make global and UK trademark application services available to businesses and entrepreneurs, ensuring they are fully protected at each stage.
