Briefings

Under this section you will find explanations of aspects of practice and of law concerning trade marks and other intellectual property matters. They are reference guides or resources to help you make informed decisions regarding your or other people’s intellectual property.

Trade marks

• The business case for trade mark registration
• Things to consider in choosing a name
• What to do before adopting a trade mark (clearance search)
• UK registration procedure
• Community trade mark registration procedure
• International registration (the 'Madrid Protocol')

Aspects of trade mark law

• When is a trade mark capable of distinguishing?
• What makes a trade mark distinctive?
• When are two trade marks identical?

Designs

• More on designs

Licensing

• What is a licence?