Written by Anastasia Troshkova

EU Design Reform: Key Changes

The European Union’s Design Reform Package, published on 18 November 2024, marks a significant step forward in modernising intellectual property protection. Effective from 1 May 2025, the reforms introduce sweeping…

Can I Register My Trade Mark Worldwide? A Simple Guide

A common question our clients ask is: “Can I register my trade mark worldwide?” The straightforward answer is no, there is no global trade mark registration that covers every country.…

Design Disclosure and Grace Periods: Guide for Designers

When considering the public disclosure of a new design—whether through social media, exhibitions, or other avenues—timing is very important for securing your design rights. In the UK and EU, designers…

Registered Design Applications: The Hague System vs. National Applications

If you’re looking for international protection for your design, you have two main options: You can file individual design applications with the intellectual property offices in each country you’re interested…

Confidential Information: Protecting Your Ideas and Know-How

Are you involved in pitching innovative ideas or designs for tenders or investment opportunities? Do your employees have access to sensitive client information? Is your manufacturer aware of detailed information…

Guidance on Design Applications for Multi-Component Products: Understanding the Latest UKIPO Practice

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has recently released an updated Design Practice Note (DPN) that provides valuable guidance on the submission of design applications for products comprised of multiple…

Metaverse Trade Marks and IP Issues

The UK’s Intellectual Property Office has recently released a government-commissioned research report regarding metaverse trade marks and IP issues. As the metaverse continues to establish itself as a significant marketplace…

The Importance of Trade Mark Clearance Searches: FAQs

Is clearing my trade mark necessary before launching it, and how do I go about it? Response: While it may not be mandatory in many jurisdictions to conduct a trade…

Trade Marks and E-commerce: Protecting Your Brand Online

In today’s increasingly digital marketplace, e-commerce has become a vital channel for businesses to reach customers and drive sales. With the rise of online retail, protecting a brand’s identity and…

Debunking Misconceptions About Registered Design Rights in the UK

Registered design rights are a valuable form of intellectual property protection that play a critical role in safeguarding the visual appearance of products. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding registered…

Understanding the Use Requirement for Maintaining a Trade Mark Registration in the UK

In today’s competitive business environment, establishing a strong market presence is crucial for success. For businesses, their trade mark serves as a symbol of their brand’s identity, and obtaining a…

Trade Mark Infringement: How to Protect Your Brand

In today’s competitive business landscape, protecting your brand is essential for maintaining its value and reputation. Trade mark infringement poses a significant threat to a brand’s identity and can undermine…

Trade Mark Renewal and Maintenance: What You Should Know

If you don’t renew your trade mark rights before the registration expires, you could lose your trade mark. Even worse, a competitor could swoop in and snap up your mark.…

How To Protect Your Business From Trade Mark Infringement

In today’s competitive business environment, establishing a strong brand is vital for success. Beyond setting you apart from competitors, a well-established brand fosters customer trust and loyalty. However, the prevalence…

The 5 Most Common Mistakes When Filing A UK Trade Mark Application

Protecting your business identity and establishing brand recognition in the UK starts with filing a trade mark application. However, the process can be complex and filled with potential pitfalls. In…

How to choose a trade mark that is right for you

Are you looking to create a new brand, but not sure how to choose the right trade mark? Choosing a trade mark for your business, product or service can be…

For trade marks, colour is the new black

Our clients often ask us whether to register their logo as a trade mark in black and white or in colour. For many years, in the UK and the EU…

Logo: is it a trade mark, is it a copyright?

Logos are one of the most popular and valuable types of trade marks obtained by businesses. In many cases, businesses outsource creation of brand identity and logos to freelance designers…

Company Names and Trade Marks

It is a common misconception that registering a company name with the Companies House provides unrestricted rights to such company name. In reality, the registered company name identifies a legal…

How can I lose my trade mark?

Obtaining registration of your trade mark is a clear milestone of success, but it is not the end of the story. Even though trade marks can technically last forever (subject…

How to choose a trade mark

One of the key steps in selecting a trade mark is developing a list of potential brand names and identifying their distinctiveness, or strength, from a trade mark perspective. Distinctiveness…

Trade mark symbols: which one can I use?

There are 2 main types of trade mark symbols – ® and TM. What does ® symbol mean? The ® symbol means that the trade mark is registered. In order…

What you need to know about protecting your slogan

The most conventional trade marks, and the top priority in terms of taking the first steps to protect the brand, are the brand names and logos. Once these have been…

Fashion and IP: back to basics

What does it take to become to build a successful fashion brand and succeed as a designer? There are, no doubt, numerous factors in play, but here at Briffa we…