We are taking some of the enhanced features from the new pre-application service launched in October 2020, and bringing them into the formal trade mark application form (eTM3). These changes will be visible to all customers.
The changes include:
- an enhanced classification picker to help customers select the most relevant goods and services for their proposed trade mark. It will provide fewer, but more accurate suggestions for relevant goods and services. Additional guidance will also be provided in a short video
- text from logos and images will be recognised automatically. Previously text had to be typed in manually. Customers will be asked to confirm if the text has been correctly identified and will have the option to add it in manually if it is incorrect
We are making these changes to enhance everyone's experience, and ensure consistency between the new pre-application service and the trade mark application form. We know these are areas which can sometimes cause confusion or error in applications, so these changes will make the process of applying for a trade mark easier and more efficient.
Unfortunately, as a result of these changes, any online trade mark applications that were saved using the 'save for later' feature, but not submitted between 4 January 2021 and 27 January 2021 have been lost. We have been sharing information about this throughout January. We apologise if this has resulted in any loss of work or effort. Trade mark applications can now be saved as normal.
