Recording changes of name, assignments, mergers and divisions in relation to trade marks

It is good housekeeping to ensure that any Intellectual Property Office records are kept up to date to reflect the correct owner details for your trade marks. If details are incorrect this can cause problems and delays, for example, if you ever assert rights in litigation. If the trade mark owner details are not correctly updated, it may prompt third parties to file non-use cancellation actions against your registrations, as they could wrongly assume that the listed owner is no longer using their mark.

 

It is generally inexpensive and quick to record changes at the UK and EU Intellectual Property Office. Most changes are recorded within around three weeks and some within 24 hours. Costs are kept low, partly because the authorities want proprietors to keep registration details accurate.

 

A trade mark registration is an asset that can be assigned for consideration, licensed for royalties and mortgaged, so it can be very valuable.

 

To record any changes affecting your trademarks and to discuss the documentation you may need, if any, please contact us at trademarks@pagewhite.com.

 

This briefing is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice relating to your particular circumstances. We can discuss specific issues and facts on an individual basis and answer any questions you receive from others about Brexit. Please note that the law may have changed since the date this was first published in November 2016.