Whether you’re launching a new brand, producing creative work or growing your business – protecting your intellectual property (IP) is essential. But many still confuse two key types of IP protection: Trade Marks and Copyrights.
Let’s break it down plainly and simply, focusing entirely on the UK IP space. 👇
🔐 What is a Trade Mark?
A Trade Mark protects your brand identity – think logo, business name, product names, taglines and even sounds or colours (yes, really!). It’s how consumers recognise and trust your brand in a crowded market.
✅ You must register a Trade Mark to get exclusive rights in the UK. ✅ It lasts 10 years (renewable indefinitely). ✅ You can legally stop others from copying or using anything confusingly similar.
Example: Registering your wellness brand’s logo so no one else can use it or a similar version.
You can also extend that protection internationally, however those require further and more in-depth checks, so be very careful and seek professional advice regarding your ability to trade mark abroad!
🎨 What is Copyright?
Copyright protects your original creative work – this includes writing, photography, graphic designs, music, videos, choreography, etc.
✅ You get it automatically the moment your work is created. ✅ You don’t need to register it in the UK. ✅ It typically lasts 70 years after the creator’s death.
Example: Your website content, brand photography or campaign designs are automatically protected – but enforcing rights might require proof of ownership and originality.
👀 Key Differences:
Trade Mark:
Trade marks protect the brand elements of your company, for example your logo or your name. This process requires action in the form of registration and will last 10 years (with some requirements to fulfil depending upon the jurisdiction). However, once registered, your trade mark will have protective legal rights.
Copyright:
Copyright on the other hand, protects your creative works, for example your design and content creations or images. This is automatically granted and does not require any form of registration; copyright generally lasts a lifetime + 70 years. Unlike trade marks, copyrights are afforded proof-based legal rights (you need to prove that you created it).
💬 Why does this matter to you?
Whether you’re a beauty brand, creative freelancer, wellness coach or product-based entrepreneur, knowing what’s protected (and how) can save you from costly legal disputes and help your brand grow with confidence.
When building your brand, you have to think about the protections available to you, especially when you are growing and building your business. It can be heart breaking and confusing to have to rebrand your company after spending so much time, energy and money into the creation of it. So, when setting up your business, we always recommend that you complete a check on Companies House, the UKIPO register (for the trade mark), domain names and general searches to establish whether there could be potential copyright issues.
🔗 Need help protecting your brand?
AWL Connoisseur Group Limited offers an accessible IP strategy tailored for creators, start-ups and diverse-led businesses. Let’s secure your brilliance – legally.
📩 DM us or email us at contact@awlconnoisseurgroup.com to get started.
Also feel free to visit us at awlconnoisseurgroup.com for more information on the other services we offer.
AWL Connoisseur Group 