Registering a trademark is one of the most important steps a business can take to protect its brand identity. ipReNewAl provides professional trademark filing services across Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, ensuring your brand is protected in every jurisdiction where you operate or plan to expand.
A trademark is a sign, logo, word, phrase, or combination of these that distinguishes your goods or services from those of competitors. Filing a trademark gives you the exclusive legal right to use that mark in your registered jurisdiction and provides a basis for taking action against infringers. Without a registered trademark, your brand identity is vulnerable to copying, dilution, and loss of commercial value.
Trademark rights are territorial, meaning a trademark registered in Australia does not automatically protect you in the UK, EU, or US. Each jurisdiction requires its own filing and examination process, and each has its own set of rules, deadlines, and requirements.
In Australia, trademark applications are filed with IP Australia. The process involves selecting the appropriate Nice Classification classes for your goods or services, conducting a trademark search to identify potential conflicts, and submitting your application for examination. IP Australia typically takes 4 to 9 months to examine an application. If accepted, the mark is advertised for an opposition period of 2 months before registration is confirmed. ipReNewAl guides clients through each step of this process, from initial clearance searches to final registration.
Trademark applications in the United Kingdom are filed with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Post-Brexit, UK trademarks are separate from EU trademarks and must be filed independently. The UK IPO process includes an examination phase followed by a 2-month publication period. ipReNewAl assists clients in assessing whether a UK filing is appropriate alongside or instead of an EU filing based on their commercial footprint.
European Union trademark (EUTM) applications are filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and, if registered, provide protection across all 27 EU member states with a single application. This makes EUTM registration highly cost-effective for businesses with pan-European operations. ipReNewAl manages the full EUTM filing process including class selection, filing, and correspondence with EUIPO.
In the United States, trademark applications are filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). US trademark law requires that the mark is either already in use in commerce or that you have a bona fide intent to use it. The USPTO examination process typically takes 8 to 12 months. ipReNewAl supports both use-based and intent-to-use applications.
Timelines vary by jurisdiction. In Australia, expect 4 to 9 months. In the UK, approximately 4 months. In the EU, approximately 4 to 6 months. In the US, 8 to 12 months from filing.
Yes. The Madrid Protocol allows a single international application covering multiple member countries through WIPO. An EUTM application covers all 27 EU member states with a single filing. ipReNewAl advises on the best multi-jurisdiction strategy for your business.
During the opposition period, third parties can file an opposition. ipReNewAl can assist with preparing a response, negotiating a coexistence arrangement, or amending the application to resolve the conflict.
Only in countries where you need protection. Trademark rights are territorial. ipReNewAl provides a jurisdiction assessment to help prioritise your filing strategy based on commercial priorities and budget.