Lapsed UK trade marks

A trade mark lapses when its registration is no longer in force on the UK IPO register. This happens once the renewal deadline passes — first during a six-month grace period, then by formal removal. The register currently holds 10,001 lapsed UK trade marks across both states. Outside the IPO style guide, the same marks are often called lapsed trademarks.

What does “lapsed” mean on the UK trade marks register?

“Lapsed” is a colloquial term that covers two specific UK IPO statuses. Expired marks are within the six-month grace period that runs from the renewal deadline; the owner can still renew with a late fee. Dead marks have moved past the grace period and been removed from the register, with restoration only possible in limited circumstances.

A lapsed mark in either state has lost its statutory protection, though common law (unregistered) rights may persist if the original owner continued trading. Lapse alone never confirms that a name is free for a new trademark registration.

How is “lapsed” different from “dead”, “expired”, and “surrendered”?

Status	Trigger	Original owner rights	Revivable?
Expired	Renewal fee not paid by deadline	Six-month grace period to renew with late fee	Yes, within grace period
Dead	Removed from register after grace period	None on the registration; common law rights may persist	Restoration possible in limited circumstances
Surrendered	Owner voluntarily withdraws the registration	None	No