Brand Creation and Trade Mark Protection: How BrandForge Works
BrandForge combines the creative expertise of Simdure with the legal expertise of Potter Clarkson in one straightforward process. Instead of managing multiple advisers, you benefit from a single, coordinated approach from brand inception through to protection.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Foundation and alignment
The process begins with Simdure's branding questionnaire, helping the team understand your business, vision and objectives so creative and strategic alignment is established from day one.
Step 2: Creative exploration
Using your brief, the creative team develops two distinct brand routes, including names and logo concepts where required.
Step 3: Early risktrade mark sense check
Before you become invested in either concept, Potter Clarkson carries out initial UK Trade Mark Registry clearance searches to identify obvious legal blockers and guide alternative options where necessary.*
Step 4: Reveal and refine
Your shortlisted concepts are presented during a video meeting, where the creative thinking behind each route is explained. One round of refinements and an additional trade mark search are included within the fixed fee.
Step 5: Clearance for confidence(optional)
Before you commit to your chosen brand, we recommend a comprehensive clearance search. This includes common law risk analysis, domain and online use checks, together with detailed legal advice if any significant risks are identified.
Step 6: Lock in the look
Once approved, Simdure finalises your logo suite and brand assets, providing brand guidelines ready for launch.
Step 7: Secure your asset (optional)
Potter Clarkson designs an appropriate trade mark filing strategy, prepares robust specifications and files your applications in the UK and internationally where required.
The Benefits of BrandForge for Your Business
Two experts. One price. Zero surprises.
By bringing branding specialists and trade mark attorneys together from the outset, BrandForge gives you a smoother, more efficient route from idea to launch.
You'll benefit from:
- A faster route to market by avoiding late-stage redesigns.
- Stronger, more distinctive brands built with protection in mind.
- Early identification of legal risks before they become expensive problems.
- Reduced risk of costly rebrands.
- Greater confidence that your chosen brand is safe to launch.
- A long-term brand strategy aligned with your commercial objectives.
- Greater cost certainty through a coordinated process.
- A seamless experience with designers and lawyers working together throughout.
Transparent pricing
BrandForge has straightforward pricing at every stage.
- BrandForge fixed fee: £845 (excluding VAT)
- Optional full clearance search: £1,200 (excluding VAT)
Trade mark filing costs are tailored to your filing strategy and jurisdictions.
Initial UK Trade Mark Registry searches provide a strong indication of existing rights but cannot guarantee freedom to use or register a trade mark because registers are constantly changing and unregistered rights may also exist.