Can we negotiate before I file the TM8?

Yes, if both sides agree. Either side files a TM9C within the 2 months, which gives 9 months to talk. A TM9E extends it to 18 months. The opponent can end it early on a TM9T.

What is a preliminary indication?

In some oppositions based on confusion, the Tribunal gives an early, non-binding view. If it goes against you, file a TM53 within 1 month, or the opposed goods are treated as withdrawn.

What is a fast track opposition?

A shorter route when the opponent relies only on identical or similar earlier marks. Proof of use comes with the TM7F, hearings are rare and costs are capped at £600. You still have 2 months to file your TM8.

If I win, will the opponent pay all my costs?

Unlikely. UK IPO costs are a contribution based on a published scale, not full repayment.

Can I make the opponent prove it uses its mark?

Yes, for an earlier mark covered by the use rule. The opponent states its use on the TM7, and you can ask for proof on the TM8.

Is there a cheaper appeal route?

Yes. The Appointed Person is a low-cost alternative to the High Court. Either appeal must be filed within 28 days of the decision.

How long do I have to respond to an United Kingdom Notice of Opposition?

Your Form TM8 notice of defence and counter-statement is due 2 months from the date the UKIPO serves the opposition. If both sides agree to a cooling-off period within those 2 months, the deadline moves to 9 months, and it can be extended to 18 months. If no TM8 is filed in time, the application is normally treated as abandoned for the opposed goods and services.

Opposition defence · UKIPO

Someone opposed your UK trademark. File your defence in time.

You have 2 months to file a TM8 defence. Miss it and the opposed goods are treated as abandoned.

Defend My Mark

Questions first? Ask our team.

Defence from $1,000, confirmed in writing after a free review.

ExcellentTrustpilot

GTC attorney preparing a United Kingdom opposition defence

10+ years

Top IP Consultancy for E-Commerce, IIPLA 2026Upwork · Top Rated Plus

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Before you start

Is this your situation?

Your UK application was opposedWe file your TM8 defence, then handle cooling-off, evidence and the decision.Defend My Mark
Your Madrid mark covers the UKSame UKIPO defence. You need a UK address for service to take part, and we provide it.Defend My Mark
You want to stop another markOppose within 2 months of publication, or 3 months after filing a TM7A.See Opposition Filing

How pricing works

A flat fee, agreed before any work.

1
Free review

Send the notice. Our team reads the grounds and tells you where you stand.
2
A fixed price in writing

Defence starts from $1,000. You get the fixed price for your reply before any work begins. Later rounds are quoted the same way.
3
Office fees at cost

Any UKIPO fees are passed through at cost, itemised before you pay.

The first flat fee covers

Notice of Opposition triage. Read the grounds, identify the senior right, scope the defence
Cooling-off period management (where UKIPO Tribunal allows). Explore coexistence
Answer / Counter-Statement drafted to the tribunal's pleading rules
Evidence package: use specimens, market data, prior-registration certificates, expert declarations
Tribunal filing via the UKIPO portal with deadline management
Adverse-decision strategy: appeal to the relevant appellate forum if needed

Know the rules

How oppositions run at the UKIPO.

Office fee to file your TM8 defence: No fee
Cooling-off to negotiate, if both sides agree: Up to 18 months
IPO estimate from TM8 to a paper decision: 17 months
Costs awards follow a scale, not full repayment: Partial

1

The TM7 is served

UKIPO sends you the opposition. Your 2 months start from that date.
2

Cooling-off or TM8

Agree a TM9C to negotiate, or file the TM8 counter-statement.
3

Evidence rounds

Witness statements in turn: the opponent, then you, then the opponent's reply.
4

Hearing or paper decision

A hearing officer decides in writing. Either side can appeal.

Key dates

2 months from service

TM8 defence due
Within those 2 months

Agree cooling-off on TM9C
1 month after a TM9T

TM8 due once cooling-off ends
1 month after an indication

File TM53 to carry on
2 weeks after evidence

Ask for a hearing or decision
28 days

Appeal the decision

Your deadlines

Your situation

Date UKIPO served the TM7

An estimate from the date UKIPO served the TM7. We confirm the deadline from the Tribunal's letter.

Pick a date to see your own deadlines.

What you need

The TM7 notice and the date it was served
Form TM8 with a counter-statement
A UK, Gibraltar or Channel Islands address for service
Witness statement evidence of your use

Common mistake

Counting on cooling-off

It needs the opponent's agreement within the 2 months. Otherwise the TM8 is due.

Common mistake

Not copying the opponent

Documents not copied to the other side are treated as not filed.

Grounds an opponent can use

Section 5(2) Likelihood of confusion
Section 5(3) Reputation in the UK
Section 5(4) Earlier unregistered rights

Official sources (9)

The team on your file

A dedicated team, with you at every step.

Our team drafts and files your TM8 defence and evidence with the UKIPO. Your account team tracks every deadline, including any cooling-off.

Your Account Manager

Your day-to-day contact. Knows your file, so every conversation starts where the last one ended.
Your Senior Account Manager

Senior oversight on strategy and anything that escalates, so nothing important slips.

Our team

Attorneys and legal specialists supporting your matter.

Managed end to end by GTC

Meet our team

In their words

Rajat has expertly guided me through the process of registering my company in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Currently, he is safeguarding my business interests on a global scale. His dedication and expertise are unmatched.

Darius Tay, Indonesia

ExcellentTrustpilot

UK opposition questions

What owners ask when a UK mark is opposed.

Nothing for the TM8, the cooling-off forms or a TM53. The opponent pays the TM7 fee: £125 for confusion-only grounds, or £250 otherwise. An appeal to the Appointed Person costs £300.