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Free Guide for Small Business Owners Received a TM7 or TM7A? Here's exactly what to do next.The Small Business Owner's Survival Guide to protecting your trade mark and avoiding an expensive legal fight — written by Stephanie Njoku, UK Chartered Trade Mark Attorney. Get the free guide Enter your details on the next screen and we'll email the guide straight to your inbox. Send me the free guide →Free download · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
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What is a TM7?A TM7 is a formal opposition filed against your trade mark application at the UK Intellectual Property Office. It starts formal proceedings — and the clock on your response is already running. |
What is a TM7A?A TM7A is notice that another party has requested more time to consider opposing your application — often the first sign that discussions may be possible. Neither document automatically means your application will fail. |
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Before You Panic Don't worry — you haven't lost yet.If you've received a TM7 or TM7A, you're probably worried about one or more of these: → Am I going to lose my trade mark? → Will I have to change my business name? → Is this going to cost thousands? → Can I still launch my business? → How can a small business compete against a large company? |
Key Takeaway Receiving a TM7 or TM7A does not mean you've lost. Many trade mark disputes are resolved through negotiation before they become expensive, time-consuming legal battles. The key is understanding your options early and taking the right strategic approach — which is exactly what this guide walks you through. |
What's Inside
Everything you need to respond with confidence.
Thirteen pages of plain English — no legal jargon, just what to actually do.
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01 TM7 vs TM7A, explained simplyThe real difference between the two notices, and what each means for your application. |
02 What an opposition can really costLegal costs, lost marketing investment, delays, rebranding and lost opportunities — and how settling early avoids them. |
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03 Your three real optionsMost owners think it's fight or give up. The guide walks you through the third option — defend, settle or reposition. |
04 Why settlement isn't losingFaster resolution, lower costs and continued use of your brand — the case for negotiating early. |
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05 David vs Goliath tacticsHow small businesses successfully negotiate against large, well-funded companies. |
06 Your 48-hour action planThe five things to do right now, before your deadline creates fewer options. |
Why Take Advice From Me
I specialise in exactly this situation.
I'm Stephanie Njoku, a UK Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and founder of Neo Percept IP. I help business owners facing trade mark disputes — particularly where a smaller business is up against a much larger organisation.
My clients often feel like David facing Goliath. In reality, large companies do not automatically win. With the right strategy, it's frequently possible to negotiate practical solutions that let your application move forward.
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88% Settlement success rate |
Fixed fees Settlement packages |
SME-focused Opposition specialist |
Experienced vs household brands |
Client Feedback
Founders who faced an opposition, and kept their brand.
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“ Receiving a trade mark opposition was stressful and confusing, especially with such a tight deadline. Stephanie acted quickly, handled everything professionally, and made the entire process smooth. Thanks to her support, I was able to protect my brand name and continue growing my business with confidence. Sheila — Founder, Sincerely Sheila |
“ We recently experienced a highly contested trade mark application. We were very lucky to be supported by the Director of Neo Percept IP, Stephanie, whose wonderful guidance and experience meant our trade mark proceeded to registration. We would not hesitate to use Neo Percept again! Roy — Co-Founder, Coachee Network |
After You Read The Guide
Want a professional assessment of your case?
If you'd rather skip straight to expert advice, here's how I can help next.
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Step 1 Opposition Risk Assessment£250 Fixed fee, one-off, no commitment Legal analysis of the opposition, settlement viability, defence prospects and your strongest next move. Book this |
Step 2 Fixed-Fee Settlement Package£3,500 All-inclusive. No hidden extras. Strategic assessment, settlement planning, negotiation, coexistence agreements and undertakings — start to finish. ★ Monthly payment plans Book this |
Common questions
Your questions, answered.
How long do I have to respond to a trade mark opposition?
You will ordinarily have two months from the relevant notification to file your defence and counterstatement (Form TM8), or the parties can agree a cooling-off period to negotiate. The Tribunal's correspondence will specify the applicable deadline. If you miss it, your application may be treated as abandoned in respect of the goods and services affected by the opposition.
What happens if I ignore a TM7 or TM7A?
If you ignore a TM7 and miss the deadline for your defence and counterstatement, your application may be treated as abandoned in respect of the goods and services affected, and you may lose the money spent on filing. A TM7A does not end your application, but it is often the best moment to act. Early action creates more options, and delay creates fewer.
Can a small business win against a large company?
Yes. Many oppositions are resolved through negotiation — coexistence agreements, undertakings or amendments often let both parties continue trading. Neo Percept IP resolves 88% of opposition cases in clients' favour, including against household brands.
How much does opposition help cost?
A £250 fixed-fee Opposition Risk Assessment as a first step, and an all-inclusive Fixed-Fee Settlement Package at £3,500.
Don't wait for the deadline to catch up with you.
Early action creates more options. Get the guide and know exactly what to do next — or book a call with me directly.
Book a free consultation →enquiries@neopercept.co.uk · 020 3983 0168