Trade Mark Oppositions, Cancellation & Appeals

Having trade mark protection is just the start of effective trade mark management

Enforcing trade mark rights against others is critically important and a key part of managing your trade mark portfolio.

We have an excellent reputation for prosecuting oppositions and cancellation actions on behalf of clients at the UKIPO, as well as at EUIPO for clients with EUTMs covering the EU. Of course, should the boot be on the other foot, we also have great experience in successfully defending our clients’ applications against oppositions brought by others, and so helping the mark to become registered. We represent clients at oral hearings and appeals at the UKIPO and have also been involved in appeal procedures before both English Courts and the Courts of the European Union, in particular the General Court.

Our trade mark attorneys and lawyers understand brands and the key role that they play in your business.  Defending them is of paramount importance.  We appreciate that they can be challenging and complex but we know how to help you navigate the situation and will provide imaginative and pragmatic legal options that achieve the right outcome for your business, at the right cost.

Meet our trade mark experts

Working with our Trade Mark Experts

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We have invaluable local expertise

When it comes to oppositions, local expertise is essential. Trade mark oppositions and cancellation actions can be complicated matters, both procedurally and in terms of legal arguments and evidence. This is particularly so for UK proceedings, which often have tight deadlines and strict procedural requirements.  We're experienced at this. We've been handing oppositions for many years and with very successful outcomes.

Pink-Pentagons-HQ

We are exerts in successful negotiation of amicable settlements

We also have a good track record at successfully negotiating amicable settlements with adverse parties. This can be either as an alternative to fighting out an opposition or cancellation, or in tandem with such proceedings to maximise leverage on the other side. We can then formalise settlement terms in expertly prepared coexistence agreements.

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We take a commercial approach - so clarity of strategy is a primary driver

We understand the bigger picture and the commercial importance of your trade mark to your business and so this strategic approach is a primary driver in the way we work with you.

Non-traditional pharma TMs special report - mock-up

Special Report

Non-Traditional Pharmaceutical Trade Marks

In this special report, we explore the relevance of each type of non-traditional trade mark to the pharmaceutical sector, how they can be registered and enforced and the particular challenges brands will face along the way. We also explore the difficulties associated with attempts to register smell and taste marks successfully and what the future might hold for non-traditional trade marks in the pharma space.

download the report

Latest News & Blogs

WTR 1000 - The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals 2025

WTR 1000 - The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals 2025

by Joanna Smith

We are delighted be ranked Silver for prosecution and strategy in WTR 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals 2025.

A Bitter Trade Mark Dispute: Thatchers Cider v Aldi

A Bitter Trade Mark Dispute: Thatchers Cider v Aldi

by Claire Evans

On 20 January 2025, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales handed down its much-anticipated judgement in Thatchers Cider Company Limited v Aldi Stores Limited [2025] EWCA Civ 5., partly overturning ...

Pharma trade marks: 2024 EU case law round up

Pharma trade marks: 2024 EU case law round up

by Emily Sullivan

The pharmaceutical industry continues to face evolving challenges in trade mark law. 2024 brought interesting case law developments in the EU that impact brand protection and market strategies. ...

Pharma trade marks: 2024 UK case law round up

Pharma trade marks: 2024 UK case law round up

by Karolina Fryzlewicz

In 2024 UK courts issued new guidance that is particularly relevant to brand owners in the pharmaceutical industry. In this article we highlight three decisions that are particularly noteworthy for ...

Veganuary: can you reference the animal counterpart in the branding of your vegan product?

Veganuary: can you reference the animal counterpart in the branding of your vegan product?

by Rebecca Anderson-Smith

From This Isn't Bacon Plant-Based Rashers, to Violife Smoky Cheddar Flavour Slices, a quick glance around the supermarket will make it very clear that many producers of substitutes for animal ...

Trade Mark Infringement in the Second-Hand Market - AGA v UK Innovations

Trade Mark Infringement in the Second-Hand Market - AGA v UK Innovations

by Jamie Emerick

In July 2024, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) handed down their decision in AGA Rangemaster Group Limited v UK Innovations Group Limited [2024] EWHC 1727 (IPEC). The case provides ...

Read more

Resources

EUTM OPPOSITION PROCEDURE

Read our summary of the main aspects of opposition proceedings before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

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UK TRADE MARK OPPOSITION PROCEDURE

Read our outline of the normal UK trade mark opposition procedure including who can oppose, how long it takes and possible grounds.

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DOMAIN NAME DISPUTES

Our trade mark attorneys and lawyers understand brands and the key role that your domain names play in your business. Defending them is of paramount importance.

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Forward Magazines Overlapping 8

Mewburn Ellis

FORWARD MAGAZINE

Mewburn Ellis Forward is a biannual publication that celebrates the best of innovation and exploration. Through its pages we hope to inform and entertain, but also to encourage discussion about the most compelling developments taking place in the scientific and entrepreneurial world. Along the way, we’ll engage with the IP challenges that international organisations face every day.