Non-use and revocation actions

If a trade mark is blocking you or someone challenges yours for non-use we will assess the position and provide clear advice.

What you get

Registered trade marks attorney

Attorney-led advice.

Plain-English advice

Clear benefits vs. risk advice and next steps.

Commercial, practical approach

Focused on outcomes, not noise.

Who it's for

Blocking trade mark

A prior registration is stopping your application from moving forward.

Register cleanup

A mark looks unused and you want it removed or narrowed.

Non-use defence

Someone has filed a non-use action against your registration.

New brand launch

You want to clear the path before you spend on a launch.

Stuck in examination

A cited mark is blocking you and you want a removal pathway.

Commercial outcome

You want a practical outcome

What this service includes

Prospects check

We tell you plainly whether to attack, defend or avoid

Scope and dates

We confirm key dates classes and what is being challenged

Next step plan

A practical plan to remove it narrow it, defend it or negotiate

Evidence plan

What to gather and what not to waste time on

Drafting and filing

Forms submissions and paperwork done properly

Deadlines managed

We track timeframes, keep you updated, and manage next steps

How it works

Details intake

Blocking mark or your registration plus countries, classes and deadlines.

Prospects check

We assess whether to attack, defend or negotiate.

Scope

Fixed scope strategy and evidence plan with clear cost.

File and run

We file and manage the action in stages.

Checkpoints

Clear decision points based on evidence and responses.

Outcome pathway

Resolve, narrow, settle, or escalate based on how it unfolds.

Timeframes

Non-use actions are procedural and evidence driven.

Timeframes depend on the country, the stage, and whether evidence is required. If you have a deadline, send the documents and we will prioritise the first assessment.

What is a non-use action?

A process to remove or limit a trade mark registration if it hasn’t been genuinely used for the relevant goods/services in the relevant period.

Is non-use the same as revocation?

Different countries use different labels. The practical idea is similar: prove genuine use, or risk removal/limitation.

Do I need to prove the other side hasn’t used it?

Usually you don’t “prove a negative” - the burden often shifts and evidence becomes central. We’ll explain how it works for the relevant country.

What counts as “use”?

It depends on the country and the facts, but it generally needs to be genuine use in the course of trade for the goods/services claimed. We’ll tell you what evidence matters.

Can the registration be partly removed (not all classes)?

Yes. Often the outcome is narrowing goods/services rather than total removal.

Should I try to negotiate first?

Sometimes yes. If a commercial resolution is realistic, we’ll tell you early.

Blocked by an unused trade mark

or defending a non-use attack?

Send the details and we’ll tell you the best next step.

Trade mark clearance search

Check your mark is safe to use

We search the official registers for identical and similar trade marks in your key countries. You get a clear risk assessment and practical recommendations before you invest in branding or filing.

Trade mark protection advisory

Shape a protection strategy that fits your brand

We help you decide what to protect, which classes to cover, and when and where to file. The focus is on avoiding problems and making your budget go further.

Portfolio management

Keep your trade marks organised and up to date

We track renewals and key deadlines, keep owner details aligned with your structure, and help you maintain a portfolio that matches how your business actually runs.

plummark.

Company

Support

Social

plummark.

Company

Support

Social

plummark.

Company

Support