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How to Register a Trade Mark in Australia, NZ & the UK
How to Register a Trade Mark in Australia, NZ & the UK
26 Aug 2025
Why registering your trade mark matters
Your brand name is more than a label — it is the core of your identity. Registering it as a business name does not give you ownership or exclusivity. To protect your brand and secure exclusive rights, you need to register a trade mark.
This guide explains how the trade mark registration process works in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The steps are similar across these countries, but there are important differences in timing, opposition periods and costs.
What does it mean to register a trade mark?
Registering a business name or company only identifies who is running the business. It does not stop competitors from using the same or a similar name.
A registered trade mark is different. It gives you legal rights to use your brand name in connection with the goods and services you select. In short, if you want to truly own your name in your industry, you must register a trade mark.
The trade mark registration process
Step one: choosing your goods and services
When applying, you need to decide what your trade mark will cover. Goods and services are grouped into 45 international classes. Your protection applies only to the categories you nominate.
For example, Class 25 covers clothing and footwear. If you apply only for ‘T-shirts’, your rights do not automatically extend to ‘shoes’.
Step two: filing your application
Applications are filed online with the relevant office: IP Australia, IPONZ in New Zealand, or the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO).
Step three: examination
An examiner reviews your application to decide if it can proceed. They check whether the name is distinctive and whether it conflicts with an earlier registered trade mark.
In Australia, IP Australia issues an adverse report if problems are found. You have 15 months to overcome the objections.
In New Zealand, IPONZ issues a compliance report, which is less rigid but still requires a response.
In the UK, the IPO examines only on absolute grounds such as descriptiveness. Potential conflicts with earlier marks are notified to the owners of those marks, who can then decide whether to oppose.
Step four: publication and opposition
If your application passes examination, it is published online for public review. This stage is called the opposition period.
The opposition period lasts two months in Australia, three months in New Zealand, and two months in the UK (extendable to three). If no one objects, or if you successfully defend an opposition, the trade mark moves forward.
Step five: registration
If no oppositions are upheld, your trade mark is registered. Registration lasts 10 years in all three countries and can be renewed indefinitely.
How much does it cost to register a trade mark with Plummark?
Plummark offers clear, all-inclusive pricing.
Australia: from A$399
New Zealand: from A$219
United Kingdom: from £269
All prices include government filing fees.
Common mistakes businesses make
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that registering a business name is enough. It does not provide any exclusive rights.
Another mistake is choosing the wrong goods and services, leaving parts of the business unprotected. Applying for descriptive names such as ‘Best Coffee’ or ‘The Clothing Shop’ also leads to refusal.
Delaying registration until after launch can be risky, because it leaves your brand exposed to competitors. Many businesses also overlook that a trade mark is not just a tool to stop others — it is also a shield that can protect you against infringement claims.
How Plummark helps
Plummark makes trade mark registration simple and affordable. One online service covers Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
We charge flat, transparent fees with no hidden extras. Our guided process helps you avoid costly mistakes and gives you confidence that your brand is properly protected.
Conclusion
Although the trade mark systems in Australia, New Zealand and the UK are broadly similar, differences in costs, timing and opposition periods mean it is important to get the details right.
By registering your trade mark early, you protect your brand name, secure exclusive rights for your goods and services, and reduce the risk of disputes in the future.
Start your trade mark application with Plummark today — simple, fast and affordable.
Why registering your trade mark matters
Your brand name is more than a label — it is the core of your identity. Registering it as a business name does not give you ownership or exclusivity. To protect your brand and secure exclusive rights, you need to register a trade mark.
This guide explains how the trade mark registration process works in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The steps are similar across these countries, but there are important differences in timing, opposition periods and costs.
What does it mean to register a trade mark?
Registering a business name or company only identifies who is running the business. It does not stop competitors from using the same or a similar name.
A registered trade mark is different. It gives you legal rights to use your brand name in connection with the goods and services you select. In short, if you want to truly own your name in your industry, you must register a trade mark.
The trade mark registration process
Step one: choosing your goods and services
When applying, you need to decide what your trade mark will cover. Goods and services are grouped into 45 international classes. Your protection applies only to the categories you nominate.
For example, Class 25 covers clothing and footwear. If you apply only for ‘T-shirts’, your rights do not automatically extend to ‘shoes’.
Step two: filing your application
Applications are filed online with the relevant office: IP Australia, IPONZ in New Zealand, or the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO).
Step three: examination
An examiner reviews your application to decide if it can proceed. They check whether the name is distinctive and whether it conflicts with an earlier registered trade mark.
In Australia, IP Australia issues an adverse report if problems are found. You have 15 months to overcome the objections.
In New Zealand, IPONZ issues a compliance report, which is less rigid but still requires a response.
In the UK, the IPO examines only on absolute grounds such as descriptiveness. Potential conflicts with earlier marks are notified to the owners of those marks, who can then decide whether to oppose.
Step four: publication and opposition
If your application passes examination, it is published online for public review. This stage is called the opposition period.
The opposition period lasts two months in Australia, three months in New Zealand, and two months in the UK (extendable to three). If no one objects, or if you successfully defend an opposition, the trade mark moves forward.
Step five: registration
If no oppositions are upheld, your trade mark is registered. Registration lasts 10 years in all three countries and can be renewed indefinitely.
How much does it cost to register a trade mark with Plummark?
Plummark offers clear, all-inclusive pricing.
Australia: from A$399
New Zealand: from A$219
United Kingdom: from £269
All prices include government filing fees.
Common mistakes businesses make
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that registering a business name is enough. It does not provide any exclusive rights.
Another mistake is choosing the wrong goods and services, leaving parts of the business unprotected. Applying for descriptive names such as ‘Best Coffee’ or ‘The Clothing Shop’ also leads to refusal.
Delaying registration until after launch can be risky, because it leaves your brand exposed to competitors. Many businesses also overlook that a trade mark is not just a tool to stop others — it is also a shield that can protect you against infringement claims.
How Plummark helps
Plummark makes trade mark registration simple and affordable. One online service covers Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
We charge flat, transparent fees with no hidden extras. Our guided process helps you avoid costly mistakes and gives you confidence that your brand is properly protected.
Conclusion
Although the trade mark systems in Australia, New Zealand and the UK are broadly similar, differences in costs, timing and opposition periods mean it is important to get the details right.
By registering your trade mark early, you protect your brand name, secure exclusive rights for your goods and services, and reduce the risk of disputes in the future.
Start your trade mark application with Plummark today — simple, fast and affordable.