Annual Technical Report on Trademark Information Activities in 2025 submitted by United Kingdom

I. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADEMARK INFORMATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE 

Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of trademark information activities and expected time frames for their realization 

In 2025 the office recruited 13 trade mark examiners to respond to customer demand and maintain service standards. 

Customer Quality Sampling (CQS) - We publish our quality performance on a quarterly basis (IPO customer service standards - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)). 

Address for Service (AFS) - We have continued with our scrutiny of addresses provided to us in trade mark applications. We now have a team in place within the trade mark examining area to deal with address for service issues. Checking trade mark addresses

Work continues in preparation for Transformation in Trade Marks.

New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies and plans mentioned above, short description: aims, partners, tasks  

In 2025, the IPO published the government’s response to its second consultation on transformation. The consultation covered topics including public inspection of documents and the removal of series marks. The second phase of our transformation programme, covering trade marks is due to start in the Autumn of 2026. We have undertaken a short preparatory phase relating to our processes for trade marks before we start the discovery phase of understanding and shaping our services in readiness for designing and building them. We expect to pilot these services in late 2028.

Our new research IP service launched in January 2025 for patents, making our data more accessible than ever before with new ways to search, view and analyse it. Data relating to trade marks will be made available through this service in the next phase of our transformation programme. 

Main areas of trademark information activities and related information and communication technology (ICT) practices which were in the focus of attention last year  

Updated landing pages following the Launch of Research IP. Classification guidance has also been improved, with a new explanatory video being made available.

Statistics: changes in terms of application filings and registrations with respect to previous year; trends or areas experiencing rapid changes 

Domestic Filings- Financial Year 

International Registrations- Financial Year

International Applications -Financial Year

Other matters and useful links (URLs): annual report of the Office, news page, statistics, etc. 

Statistics related to trade marks at the Intellectual Property Office can be accessed through the annual reports, monthly reviews and facts and figures at Patents, trade marks, and designs: monthly statistics - GOV.UK 

II. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO TRADEMARK INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information and support provided by the Office to applicants regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing (instructions, seminars, etc.) - URLs 

Domestic filings - information regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing can be found at: Register a trade mark : Overview - GOV.UK

International filings – information regarding filing an International Application (can only file via paper) can be found at: Protecting your trade mark abroad - GOV.UK

Availability of the application dossier in electronic form 

Trade marks can be searched by application number, owner, keyword, phrase or image at: Search for a trade mark - GOV.UK

Use of electronic classification systems and pre-defined terms of the classification applied 

Information regarding classifying can be found at: How to classify trade marks - GOV.UK

Matters concerning processing of different types of non-traditional marks (e.g., three-dimensional, motion, hologram, colour mark, etc.) 

Information regarding types of marks which can be registered can be found at: Register a trade mark : Overview - GOV.UK

Guidance on different types of non-traditional marks can also be found at: Manual of trade marks practice - The examination guide - Guidance - GOV.UK

Other activities 

The IPO is an active participant in WIPO’s Standing Committee on the Law of Trade Marks, Industrial Designs & Geographical Indications and meets with other participating offices at WIPO during Madrid Working Group. 

III. SOURCES OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE

Main types of publications in the field of trademark information, outline of the content and medium (on paper, on CDs, online - URLs)  

Trade Marks Journal is published every week on a Friday and contains accepted applications for UK Trade Marks and International Trade marks that include the UK: This is only available in digital form.: Check the trade marks journal - GOV.UK

UK trade mark legislation is set out in the Trade Marks Act 1994 Trade Marks Act 1994 - GOV.UK and the Trade Mark Rules 2008: Trade Marks Rules - GOV.UK 

Manual of Trade Mark Practice sets out guidance on the Intellectual Property Office work practices: Manual of trade marks practice - GOV.UK

Practice Amendment Notices (PAN) announces changes to our practice, such as how we interpret a provision of the law, or how we handle applications:   

Practice Amendment Notices (PAN) - GOV.UK

Official Gazettes: main types of announcements, frequency of publication, medium (on paper, on CDs, online, URL), etc.  

The Trade Marks Journal is published every week on a Friday and contains accepted applications for UK Trade Marks and International Trade Marks that include the UK: This is only available in digital form.  

Check the trade marks journal - GOV.UK

Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) available to examiners, including external documentation and databases.   

Examiners use the Manual of Trade Marks Practice, the Trade Marks Act 1994, Trade Mark Rules 2008 and case law. They research trade mark applications on the Internet. They also liaise with Patent Examiners if the trade mark is of a technical nature. International examiners use the Madrid Protocol and the regulations via the WIPO website. In addition, examiners may use DARTS IP, which is a comprehensive database of caselaw and other IP related information.  Examiners use the Oxford English Dictionary for definitions. Examiners can also access Westlaw to read caselaw reports and Westlaw Books for publications like Kerly’s Law of Trade Marks and Trade Names.

Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) and services available to external users; conditions of access (e.g., free of charge, subscription, etc.)   

Our main office is located in Newport, Wales, where the public can file applications and discuss possible IP protection with an IPO Advisor over the phone or in person via appointment.

Legal status information (kind of information, coverage, medium, etc.)   

The legal status of a trade mark is contained on the UK Register and may be searched by application number, owner, key phrase, or word:  Search for a trade mark - GOV.UK

External users can also monitor the status of trade mark applications and registrations via the Track a trade mark - GOV.UK service.

IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO TRADEMARK INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office: general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements  

We use Acsepto version 11, which is a stand-alone search system used by examiners to search for earlier Trade Marks.   

Real Time Sampling Dashboard – this collates the results from our quality checks and supports in highlighting any trends relating to quality. 

Knowledge Information Board (KIB) – we have recently reviewed all the information we held internally on our SharePoint and moved it to a KIB, which is a more user-friendly system and allows our staff to access all the information they need to support trade mark related activities. 

The office has made the licenced version of Co-pilot available to staff as an AI tool to aid them in their roles.

Hardware used to support business processes of the Office  

Staff access a Windows 11 desktop via Microsoft Surface Pro devices. For display setups, 24-inch monitors are connected via a dock, while 32-inch monitors connect directly using a USB-C cable and do not require a dock.

Internal databases: coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources  

UKTM – database used to process domestic applications. 
MPS – database used to process International Applications and Registrations. 

KIB – knowledge information base used to support trade mark related activities 

SharePoint – information to support trade mark related activities  

Establishment and maintenance of electronic search file: file building, updating, storage, documents from other offices included in the search file 

New applications and amendments to existing UK Trade Marks are published to our search repository every 10 minutes and are available using our Trade Mark Number and/or Owner electronic search services.  New or amended images can take up to 24 hours to appear as they are processed overnight on a daily basis. 

UK Trade Marks are also made available on TM view and the Global Brands Database.

The keyword, phrase or image search service uses information stored in our Acsepto search tool which is updated on a daily basis. 

Administrative management electronic systems (register, legal status, statistics, and administrative support)  

Management information is produced from UKTM and MPS. 

Other matters  

We are in the early stages of Transformation, this will include a significant change to our ICT and will improve things for the future.

V. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION

Office's library (if deals with trademark information): equipment, collection management, network of libraries in the country, cooperation with foreign libraries  

The UK Patent Library (PatLib) network is part of the 340-strong European Network of Patent Information Centres, managed by the European Patent Office. 

The UK PATLIB Network’s main aims are: - 

• To enable easy access to IP information locally; 

• To provide an effective, efficient IP information service to the general public and businesses. 

The UK IPO supports the UK Patlib Network who provide local access to guidance and support through a network of 25 centres based within city centre libraries. The centres have trained, experienced staff to provide practical support to businesses, such as database searching.

The majority of the UK PatLibs are part of the national network of Business & IP Centres (BIPC), which was started by the British Library in 2012 in partnership with the IPO.  The network now consists of 25 established centres, located across England and Scotland. The UK IPO works with the British Library to ensure all centres meet the PatLib requirements to deliver specialised IP services.   

In the three-year period, April 2020 to March 2023, the BIPC supported a total of 62,876 individuals, through a combination of 17,831 in-person and online one-to-ones, 4,314 workshops or webinars and 1,121 in-person, online or hybrid events.  

Training to deliver these services has been supplied by the IPO through the IP Master Class programme as well as ongoing individual training sessions as needed. 

Publications related to different business procedures and trademark information sources available to users, for example, books, brochures, Internet publications, etc.  

Our main office is located in Newport, Wales, where the public can file applications and discuss possible IP protection with an IPO Advisor over the phone or in person via appointment. 

Information regarding trade mark procedures can be found via our website www.ipo.gov.uk. 

Cooperation with universities, technology, and innovation support centres, etc.  

The IPO works with universities, researchers and entrepreneurs to improve understanding how to identify, manage, protect, and use IP to support careers, research, business, commercialisation, and collaboration.  This includes the: 

• IP Tutor and IP Tutor Plus resources targeting key subject disciplines, with independent and trainer-led resources for students, academics, and educators.  

• IP for Research education programme to help researchers understand how IP fits into their research and the commercialisation process. 

We are currently working with the sector to update our Intellectual Asset Management guidance to help university leaders and researchers make informed decisions about their IP. This supports UK government’s goal of ensuring that research excellence translates into effective industrial and commercial application.  

The IPO’s resources are comprehensive and available in formats that can be tailored to specific needs. All our tools and guidance to support innovation and knowledge exchange are freely available at Welcome to IPO’s online support tools. These have been designed to help you: | Intellectual Property Office 

Education and training: training courses, e-learning modules (URLs), seminars, exhibitions, etc.  

As the innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow, it is vital that students learn how to identify, use, and protect their IP as well as respect others' IP.  We have a comprehensive strategy to build the IP critical skills needed to support careers, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. We believe it is important to educate people about IP across all levels and stages of education.  We want students to start their careers equipped with an understanding of IP and for educators to have the skills to pass on that knowledge.   

We have developed an IP Education Framework that sets out the IP knowledge needed across all levels and stages of education, from primary schools to higher education. To support use of the Framework, we produce and promote accessible, engaging resources for teachers to incorporate IP in core syllabus subjects. These free, curriculum-led lesson plans and resources have been co-created with educators and partners such as UK Music, and the Industry Trust, to ensure they align with the school curriculum. Our education resources are available on our IP-Support Website at  Welcome to IPO’s online support tools. These have been designed to help you: | Intellectual Property Office and resources specifically for schools can also be found at www.crackingideas.com. This site has global reach with around 31,000 site visits each year.  

Our business outreach activities continue to help businesses make informed decisions how to use, manage, and enforce their IP to its full potential. This is done in a range of ways including attending in person and virtual events, delivering training and working with partner organisations to integrate IP support into business support programmes.

The past year has been a busy one for the Trade Marks Masterclass Team. We have updated and refreshed the slides, with a stronger focus on clear examples and interactive elements. The sessions now give a structured overview of what a trade mark is, the objections applicants may face and how to avoid them, how to search earlier marks, and how to apply for a trade mark. The office presented the revised masterclass to business advisers at Newcastle City Library and the Leonardo Hotel in Liverpool. The audiences were highly engaged and responded very positively to the new material.

We have also introduced Masterclass Plus, a follow-up session to the general overview. These sessions focus on specific topics that have a direct impact on trade mark examination and our customers. The current topic is the SkyKick case, exploring its impact on the application of section 3(6) bad faith, particularly where there is concern that there is no bona fide intention to use the mark for all the goods and services claimed. These sessions have been well received and have proved successful.

In November we ran an open day for CITMA members. The event was designed as an open day for newly qualified CITMA members, providing an opportunity to connect with IPO staff, including trade mark examiners, tribunal caseworkers, and senior hearing officers. The day featured presentations on SkyKick, an inter partes hearing officer presentation, information relating to the Customer Care Programme and interactive breakout discussions with examiners and tribunal caseworkers. The day gave the attendees an opportunity to take away practical advice for hearings, submission of evidence and more.

We have also developed a range of digital tools for businesses.  By adopting a ‘digital first’ approach we can increase the scope and reach of our tools to a diverse and global audience. IP: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/intellectual-property-for-business

Trade Mark examination offers support for the IPREG accredited courses for a trade mark qualification. 

Other activities  

A three-week tailored training programme was successfully delivered for colleagues in Jersey, condensing the standard new examiner training condensing it to suit the training needs.

We have a range of digital content which we use to promote and explain the different types of Intellectual property.  IP Basics - GOV.UK (youtube.com) We use our social media channels to promote this content. 

In February, a certification and collective mark examiner gave an overview of the UK certification and collective mark examining process to the Bermuda office. Bermuda have recently received their first such application and wished for the IPO to share its experience and insight as they begin to examine such marks.

VI. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION

International exchange of trademark information in machine-readable form (e.g., Official Gazettes) 

The Trade Marks Journal is published every week on a Friday and contains accepted applications for UK Trade Marks and International Trade marks that include the UK:  Check the trade marks journal - GOV.UK

Trade marks can be searched by application number, owner, key phrase, word or image Search by flag, emblem or hallmark using the Article 6ter Express database at: Search for a trade mark - GOV.UK

Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to trademark information  

Representatives from Trade Marks went to the INTA conference in San Diego, including speaking at panels and discussions with INTA committees. 

Representatives for the UK IPO [and CITMA] attended the Madrid Working Group 2025.

A representative of the IPO attended and presented at WIPO’s Seminar on the Practical Aspects of the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks for Advanced Users in November 2025 to provide information regarding UK practice.

Other activities  

The IPO provide reports to World Trade Organisation on TRIPS Agreement, TRIPS responses details work done with other offices and relate to all areas of IP, reporting on activities around technology transfer and technical cooperation. 

VII. ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WIPO STANDARDS CONCERNING TRADEMARK INFORMATION

Note: For each Standard listed below, please enter one of the following values: 

• "Implemented";
• "On implementation phase";
• "Planning to implement";  and
• "No plan to implement"

WIPO Standard ST.3: Two-letter codes for the representation of states, other entities and organizations

Implemented.

WIPO Standard ST.13: Numbering of applications for IPRs

No plan to implement.

WIPO Standard ST.60: Bibliographic data relating to marks

No plan to implement 

The IPO would expect this to be reviewed as part of Transformation. No changes are currently being made to this standard.

WIPO Standard ST.61: The exchange of trademark legal status data 

Planning to implement.

The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.61 as part of this.

WIPO Standard ST.63: Content and layout of trademark gazettes

Planning to implement.

The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.61 as part of this.

WIPO Standard ST.66: Processing of trademark information using XML

No plan to implement.

The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.96, rather than ST.66.

WIPO Standard ST.67: Electronic management of the figurative elements of trademarks

Implemented.

WIPO Standard ST.68: Electronic management of sound marks

Implemented.

WIPO Standard ST.90: Recommendation for processing and communicating Intellectual Property data using Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

Planning to implement.

The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.90 as part of this.

WIPO Standard ST.91: Recommendations on digital three-dimensional (3D) models and 3D images

Implemented.

Our electronic Trade mark application form allows 3D marks in JPEG, JFIF, OBJ, STL and X3D file formats.

WIPO Standard ST.96: Processing of Industrial Property information using XML

Planning to implement.

The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.96 as part of this.

Other WIPO Standards Related to Trademarks

ST.92 – DATA PACKAGE FORMAT FOR THE ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE OF PRIORITY DOCUMENTS No plan to implement - would expect to be reviewed as part of Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.63 as part of this.