UK Trade Marks Manual

UK guidance on filing new trademark applications

UKIPO issued guidance on filing new trademark applications, outlining requirements for obtaining a filing date under the Trade Marks Act. The guidance specifies essential requirements (request for registration, applicant name/address, goods/services specification, mark representation) and non-essential requirements (use declaration, fees, form TM3, Nice classification class). The guidance applies to all entities seeking UK trademark registration.

International Trademark Procedures Under Madrid Protocol

The UK Intellectual Property Office published an examination guide on international trademark procedures under the Madrid Protocol. The guide explains procedures for UK examiners processing international trade marks designating the UK and for filing international applications based on UK national marks through WIPO. It covers eligibility criteria for using the Madrid System and filing requirements.

Nice Classification System for UK Trade Marks

UKIPO issued guidance on the Nice Classification system for UK trade marks, administered by WIPO and used by over 140 countries. The guide covers the 45-class system (Classes 1-34 for goods, Classes 35-45 for services), legal framework, and general classification principles. The 13th Edition of the International Classification came into force on 1st January 2026.

UK Trade Marks Manual - Examination Procedures

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) published its updated Trade Marks Manual examination guide for July 2025, providing procedural guidance to examiners on assessing trade mark registrability under the Trade Marks Act 1994. The guide clarifies that examination practice serves as non-binding guidelines, with each application to be evaluated on its individual merits. The update maintains existing law references including assimilated EU case law and the Directive 2015/2436.