The couple’s trade mark applications have received a notice of threatened opposition in accordance with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).
Since the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell announcement of stepping down as royals, many people have been speculating as to whether the couple will successfully be able to register their ‘Sussex Royal’ and ‘The Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ trade mark applications
According to the UKIPO, the couple’s ‘Sussex Royal’ application has received a total of 5 Notice of Threatened Oppositions (also known as TM7A’s). This means that the applications publication period will be extended for an additional month during which, any of the opposing parties can file for what is known as a ‘Notice of Opposition’ (TM7). If at this point the UKIPO believe the opposing party has enough evidence for the opposition to proceed, the couple will have 2 months from the date of the TM7 to file a defence in return.
Although a Notice of Threatened Opposition is not a notice of a formal opposition, the likelihood of one of the five notices proceeding with a TM7 is likely and if filed, could see both the costs and the length of the applications increasing considerably.
Following the filing of 5 TM7A’s, the publication period which was due to end on February 20, will now be extended for a month.
If you have any questions relating to this article or the trade mark application process, contact the Trademarkroom today where we would be happy to assist you!
Sena Tokel
