If you’ve ever registered a trade mark in the UK, you might have come across the concept of a series trade mark—a quirky feature that allowed you to register multiple versions of a brand name or logo in one go, provided they were essentially the same with only minor differences (like colour, punctuation, or pluralisation).
But that’s now coming to an end.
As part of its digital transformation programme, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has confirmed that series trade marks will be discontinued. While no official date has been announced yet, the change is expected to come into effect sometime in 2025. So, what does this mean in practice?
What is a Series Trade Mark?
A series trade mark allows brand owners to protect slight variations of the same mark under one application—for example:
- Word-only and stylised versions
- UK and US spellings (e.g. “favour” and “favor”)
- A logo with and without colour
This option has been unique to UK trade mark law and offered a cost-effective way to secure broader protection. It meant lower fees and less admin than filing multiple individual marks.
Why is the UKIPO Scrapping It?
The move follows feedback from the Second Transformation Consultation. The UKIPO explained that series marks are difficult to assess and don’t fit well with its push for a more modern, digital system.
There’s also the issue of international compatibility. Series marks aren’t recognised outside the UK, so removing them helps bring UK trade mark practice more in line with global standards—a welcome step for businesses looking to protect their brand abroad.
What Do We Know So Far?
- The UKIPO has confirmed that series marks will be phased out in 2025, though no official date has been announced yet.
- You can still apply for series trade marks under the current system until the change takes effect.
- Existing series trade mark registrations won’t be affected—they will remain valid and enforceable after the change.
Should You Act Now?
If you’ve been considering protecting multiple similar versions of your trade mark, now is the time to act.
For example, if your logo appears in both black-and-white and colour, or you use a strapline with and without punctuation, you may still benefit from filing a single series application—before the window closes.
Once the change takes effect, each version will need its own separate application, increasing both the cost and complexity of protecting your brand.
Need Advice?
Series marks have always been a bit of a grey area—what counts as a “minor difference”? Could that variation weaken your brand’s protection?
That’s where we come in.
At National Business Register, we’ve been supporting UK businesses with trade marks and intellectual property for over 40 years. Our team can help you decide whether a series application is still the right option, or if it’s time to rethink your protection strategy in light of the upcoming changes.
Call us on 0800 069 9090
Or email info@nbrg.co.uk
Let’s future-proof your brand—before the rules change.
