Strategies for success in 2022 and beyond
The UK's first year outside of the EU in 2021 has had a major impact on both trade mark registration numbers and the trade mark protection landscape in general. Here, we examine the challenges currently facing trade mark owners and offer guidance on updating registration and protection strategies.
In 2021, the size of the UK trade mark register increased significantly – read our article on the filing facts and figures. This presents several new challenges, including added difficulties in selecting and clearing new branding, policing rights and challenging new entrants on the register.
Following Brexit, the UK register operates alongside but separately from the EU register. While the procedures are similar, there are important differences, particularly in opposition proceedings, and this presents another challenge. Read about the key differences here.
Choosing between forums, or coordinating oppositions on two fronts, is another area of complication that trade mark owners need to address – read our guidance on simultaneous oppositions.
As UK opposition proceedings are similar to litigation, they need to be well-managed by specialists – see our UK opposition guide.
In contrast, EU trade mark oppositions are slightly more procedural, but still require expert management – see our guide to EU oppositions.
As many oppositions end in a negotiated settlement, experience also counts – here we share some guidance notes on negotiation.
Most trade mark owners now have multiple parallel UK and EU trade mark rights to manage. This usually requires a range of decisions to be made on an annual basis. These can become more manageable with the appropriate strategy and forward planning.
