A trade mark can be anything that defines a brand e.g. words, sounds, logos, colours or a combination. Registering a trade mark helps to protect intellectual property from unauthorised use.
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) recently published findings on a study they completed on trademark applications. Annual growth in the number of trade mark filings has remained above 10 percent since 2011. Most growth is derived from companies but filings by individuals have increased in recent years. Wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, information and communication, and professional, scientific and technical activities are the largest trade markers by industry.
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has estimated it will receive 5,000 more new applications in 2017 (66,793 trade marks) compared to 2016 (61,248 trade marks). Brexit is expected to contribute to the uplift in trade mark filings in the UK. As a result of the UK leaving the EU, trade mark owners who need protection in the UK will now need to file a UK trade mark as well as an EU trade mark.
Source: http://buff.ly/2miccyG
