Registering your company at Companies House does NOT give you trademark rights. You can legally operate the company but someone else can trademark the name and force you to rebrand.
Business Name (Companies House)
Just identifies your company for tax and legal purposes. Prevents others using identical name for their company. Costs £50. Takes 24 hours.
What It Protects
Trademark (UK IPO)
Protects your brand across the UK. Prevents others using similar names in your industry. Renewable every 10 years. Costs £170-£200.
What Trademark Gives You
Exclusive right to use name/logo in your industry. Legal recourse against copycats. Ability to license or sell trademark. Asset value for your business.
Real World Example
You register "Blue Coffee Ltd" at Companies House. Competitor trademarks "Blue Coffee" for cafes. You must rebrand despite registering first.
Why This Happens
Company name is administrative. Trademark is commercial protection. Trademark law overrides company name law in brand disputes.
Common Mistake
Entrepreneurs incorporate company, build brand for 2 years, then discover trademark conflict. Rebranding costs £15,000-£50,000+.
The Right Order: 1) Check trademarks first (UK IPO + EUIPO). 2) Register company name. 3) Apply for trademark within 6 months. 4) Launch brand publicly.
Do You Need Both?
If you're building a brand: yes. Business name is required for company. Trademark protects the brand you're building.
When You Can Skip Trademark
Sole trader using your personal name. B2B business with no public brand. Planning to stay ultra-local. Don't care about brand protection.
Cost Comparison
Business name: £50 one-time. Trademark: £170 initial + £200 renewal every 10 years. Rebranding after conflict: £15,000-£50,000+.