Guidance

Trade mark series applications

Around 40% of series applications don’t meet the requirements. We recommend you read this guide if you are considering making a series application.

If you have different variations of your trade mark then they might qualify as a series.

A series of trade marks consists of up to six marks in a single application.

For a series to be acceptable, the marks should:

  • look the same
  • sound the same
  • mean the same

Any differences must be minor.

Cost

A series of more than two marks is subject to an extra fee of £50 per mark.

This fee is non-refundable, even if we refuse your series application.

Examples

Example of series applications.
Example of series applications.
Example of series applications.
Example of series applications.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of these examples in a more accessible format, email information@ipo.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Further reading

This information is only intended to be a guide. The Trade Marks Examination - The examination guide contains detailed information about trade mark series.

Speak to an Intellectual Property professional

If you are still unsure whether your marks will be acceptable as a series you should speak to a trade mark attorney.

The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) can help you locate an attorney in your area.

Updates to this page

Published 3 May 2017
Last updated 25 October 2018 + show all updates
  1. Link to the The Manual of Trade Marks Practice to Trade Marks Examination - The examination guide added.

  2. First published.

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