Trade marks
Trade marks are signs that distinguish the goods or services of one business from those offered by their competitors. Trade marks have to be renewed every 10 years but can last forever.
As newly appointed President of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA), we were delighted when Daniel Hardman-Smart accepted our invitation to be one of our guest bloggers. In his blog, Daniel talks about the UK as a leading environment for intellectual property, particularly in relation to trade marks, and what this means in practice for businesses looking to protect and grow their brands.
In January 2026, the IPO marked 150 years of the UK trade mark registry, the system that protects the names, logos and brands we see every day. From the first registered trade mark to more than 2.5 million today, it’s a story shaped by the marks people remember most. To mark the milestone, we asked …
From the Olympic rings to official mascots and merchandise, trade marks and licensing play a critical role in protecting the Olympic and Paralympic brand. Drawing on first‑hand experience at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, this blog explores how IP underpins one of the world’s most valuable global brands and what businesses can learn from …
INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo talks about the importance of global collaboration on IP matters and why IP professionals should gather in London next month for the INTA 2026 Annual Meeting.
A favourite childhood story is being adapted for the screen, and it got me thinking about the intellectual property behind it. From copyright and licensing to trade marks, The Magic Faraway Tree shows how IP helps creative worlds travel from page to screen and across generations.
This year, the BIPC at the British Library is celebrating twenty years of supporting small businesses to start and grow. Together with Amy Miller, Business & IP Centre National Network Co-ordinator, we take a look at the work of the BIPC and how the BIPC network has grown during this time and the ongoing partnership …
Going viral is every entrepreneur’s dream… until it isn’t. Just ask My Salah Mat founder Kamal Ali, the world’s first interactive prayer mat for children.
Guest bloggers Annabelle Whatmough and Anne Barrett look at what the future holds for trade marks following the 150th anniversary of the Trade Mark Registry.
The celebration of 150 years since the first registered UK trade mark is the perfect opportunity to remember how trade marks have shaped the world we live in.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the trade mark registry, this blog explores the history of the first trade mark - and you can now have your say on the most iconic trade mark in history...
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