Comparison Guide · 2026-07-03
Trademark vs Copyright Protection UK 2026
A trademark protects your brand identity — names, logos, slogans — and must be actively registered with the Intellectual Property Office (from £170) to gain full legal protection and the ability to stop others using a confusingly similar mark. Copyright protects original creative works — writing, code, images, music — automatically from the moment of creation, with no registration required or possible in the UK, lasting far longer but covering different things entirely.
At a Glance
| Feature | Trademark | Copyright |
|---|---|---|
| What it protects | Brand names, logos, slogans, jingles used to identify your goods/services | Original literary, artistic, musical or software works |
| Registration required | Yes — must actively register with the IPO to get full trademark rights | No — arises automatically on creation, no UK register exists |
| Typical cost | From £170 for one class of goods/services (online application) | Free — no registration process or fee |
| Duration of protection | 10 years, renewable indefinitely every 10 years | Life of the author plus 70 years (works), or 25–50 years for some categories |
| Geographic scope | UK-only unless you also register in other territories (or use an international system) | Generally recognised internationally via the Berne Convention |
| What it stops others doing | Using a confusingly similar brand name/logo for similar goods or services | Copying, reproducing or adapting your specific creative work without permission |
When Trademark Wins
- You have a distinctive brand name, logo or slogan you want to legally defend against copycats
- You are launching a product or service and want to stop competitors trading under a similar name
- You want the strongest, clearest legal basis to send a cease-and-desist or take enforcement action
When Copyright Wins
- You have created original written content, code, images, music or designs
- You want automatic, free protection without any registration process
- Your concern is people copying your specific creative output, not your brand identity
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a trademark and copyright for my business?
Often, yes — many businesses need both, since they protect different things: a trademark protects your brand name and logo from being used by competitors, while copyright automatically protects the original content you create (website copy, product photography, software code) from being copied. Most established brands hold trademark registrations while relying on automatic copyright for their creative content.
How much does it cost to register a UK trademark?
The Intellectual Property Office charges from £170 to register a trademark in one class of goods or services online, with additional classes costing more, plus optional professional fees if you use a trademark attorney to conduct clearance searches and prepare the application, which is recommended for anything beyond the simplest cases.
Can I register copyright in the UK?
No — the UK has no copyright registration system. Copyright arises automatically the moment you create an original qualifying work, and you do not need to apply, pay a fee, or use the copyright symbol (©) for protection to exist, though marking your work can help demonstrate your claim if disputed.
Show 2 more questionsShow fewer questions
What happens if I do not register my trademark?
You may still have some protection under the common law tort of "passing off" if you can prove established goodwill in your brand, but this is far harder, slower and more expensive to enforce than a registered trademark, which gives clear, presumed legal rights and a faster route to stopping infringers.
How long does UK trademark registration take?
A straightforward UK trademark application typically takes around 4 months to register if unopposed, including a mandatory 2-month opposition period during which third parties can object, though contested or complex applications can take significantly longer.
Key Sources
Related Comparisons
Trademark vs Company Name Registration,Formation Agent vs DIY Registration
Calculators for this comparison
Dividend Tax Calculator
Calculate tax on dividends received from UK companies for 2025/26.
Calculate your Self-Employed Tax
Calculate income tax, Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance for self-employed and sole traders for 2025/26.
VAT tool
Add or remove VAT from any amount. Supports 20%, 5% and 0% UK VAT rates.
Check your R&D Tax Relief
Estimate UK R&D tax credit benefit under the SME scheme, merged RDEC scheme or pre-April-2023 SME rules.
Disclaimer: This comparison is general information, not personal financial advice. Figures reflect the 2026/27 UK tax year and can change. Always check current HMRC/gov.uk guidance or speak to a regulated adviser before making a decision.