Is my brand protected if I register my business name at Companies House?

Yes, it is possible for your company name to be registered as a trade mark subject to its being accepted by the UK IPO.  However beware- just because your name is registered at Companies House- it doesn’t mean it will be accepted as a registered trademark.

A trade mark is a sign which can distinguish your goods and services from those of your competitors so can be for example words, logos or a combination of both.

Trade marks cannot be registered if they:

• Describe your goods or services or any characteristics of them, for example, marks which show the quality, quantity, purpose, value or geographical origin of your goods or services;
• Have become customary in your line of trade;
• Are not distinctive;
• Are three dimensional shapes, if the shape is typical of the goods you are interested in (or part of them), has a function or adds value to the goods;
• Are specially protected emblems;
• Are offensive;
• Are against the law, for example, promoting illegal drugs; or;
• Are deceptive. There should be nothing in the mark which would lead the public to think that your goods and services have a quality which they do not.

If you have registered your company name with Companies House, this is different to registering a trade mark. If you want to protect your trade mark (brand) then it must be registered as a trade mark.

Your mark will NOT be protected by registering it ONLY at Companies House.

Please contact Jane@trademarkroom.com for more details.