Get off on the right foot with a Right Start Application!

When filing a trade mark application through the standard route, there are official filing fees payable, as well as our legal fees if you would like our assistance with the application.

These fees are required to be paid upfront when the application is filed and are not refundable, even if the application is not successful. 

Not all applications are clear cut and there is certainly an element of risk with every application. 

Therefore it can be quite a financial risk to push forward with an application, if it isnt clear there will be a successful outcome. 

This is where the Right Start application option steps in. 

This allows you to pay half of the official filing fees upfront (rather than the full amount) therefore minimising the risk and your potential exposure. 

With the Right Start scheme, the application is filed in the same way with the UK Intellectual Property Office. 

They will then appoint an examiner who will consider if the mark complies with the criteria of a registered trade mark. 

They will then produce an examination report. If they have confirmed your application can proceed, the remaining fees are payavble within 14 days and the application will proceed as normal. 

However, if they refuse the application, you have only lost half of the official filing fees, rather than the full amount. 

There is still our legal fees payable which are again payable upfront and the official filing fees for the Right Start application are slightly higher, but it is definitely worth considering if you are unsure about your application. 

This is something that may not be worthwhile for everyone but something we will certianly recommended if we feel your application would benefit from it. 

If you would like to go ahead with a trade mark application, please get in touch with a member of the team today.