No. You can apply to register "any sign or symbol that allows your customers to tell you apart from your competitors". It can be a name, logo, slogan, domain name, shape, colour or sound, or combination of those. But to be registered as a trade mark, your name must:
- be distinctive for the goods and services you apply for;
- not be similar or identical to any earlier marks for the same or similar goods and services; and
- not be deceptive, or contrary to law or morality.
Trade marks are territorial. A UK-registered trade mark only protects your name in the UK. For protection abroad, see question 12.
You must continue to use your trade mark, or another business can apply to the Intellectual Property Office to have it revoked. A UK trade mark must be renewed every ten years.
