Application by a private limited company for re-registration as a public company in England and Wales

Business or trading name may be used by a limited company (e.g. John Doe Services LTD may trade as a 'J. Doe's Bakery'). The use of a business name does not create a separate legal entity from a company, which is using the name.

With this option we will prepare all necessary paper forms to allocate a trade name to your limited company' name.

We will also provide you an exclusive certificate of the trading name adoption.

Trademarks are one of the most important tools in the promotion and recognition of your business' goods or services. Trademarks are the primary means by which customers can recognize your products. A trademark registration gives you the right to stop others from using the same or a similar trademark in relation to your goods or services, and in many cases, a trademark registration can itself become a valuable asset.

If you require a trade mark search - to ensure your newly registered company name does not conflict with any European and UK protected trademarks.

Benefits
Amongst other benefits, registering your trademark: -

1. Secures a statutory monopoly. It will give you the exclusive right to use your mark for the goods and/or services that it covers in the UK.
2. Deters others from using your trademark. A trade mark registration can be used to prevent the registration or use of an identical or similar mark by another individual or company.
3. Makes it your property which means you can sell it or license the use of it to others in exchange for payment.
4. Can add quantifiable goodwill and value to a business on sale.

Costs
We can take care of the registration process from start to finish.

Stage 1 - Filing
1. To file a UK trademark application in one class we charge a fixed fee of £350.00. Of this, our legal charges for preparing and filing the application are just £150.00. The official filing fee is £200.00.

2. For each additional class we charge a fixed fee of £100.00. Of this, our legal charges are £50.00 and the official fee is £50.00.

3. It is possible to file a fast-track application which will be examined within 10 business days after filing for an additional £300.00 cost.

Stage 2 – Prosecution
After filing your application, we charge on a time and materials basis for the work we undertake through to the registration of the mark.

Our charges will depend upon how straightforward the application is and whether it receives any objections. This is not something we can predict with absolute certainty, although we do aim to warn you if your application is likely to be problematic.

There are a wide variety of objections that can be raised by an examiner including that your trade mark is descriptive and not distinctive e.g. the trademark SHOES for a 'shoe store'.

In the event of an objection, we would need to respond to the examiner. Responding to objections may include presenting evidence of use, engaging in correspondence and/or attending a hearing with the examiner.

A third party may oppose your trade mark application on a number of grounds including that it is identical or similar to their trademark and that there exists a likelihood of confusion between your proposed trademark and their registered trade mark.

In the event of an opposition, we will advise you of your additional legal charges and expenses before proceeding on your behalf.

Note that most but not all trademark applications are straightforward and go through without significant objection or opposition.

Total Cost
You are looking at an estimated total cost of £600.00 if the application proves straightforward and is registered in one class only.