GS1 UK has joined forces with expert trade mark law firm, Pulse Law, to help UK SMEs protect their brand, products and IP. There’s also free access to a Trademark search tool to discover if your potential brand name is available.
With SMEs accounting for over 80 per cent of their 58,000 membership, GS1 UK will collaborate with Pulse Law’s team of experts to make legal advice more accessible and more affordable.
Legal problems represent a significant challenge for many UK SMEs. 32% encountered at least one legal issue between September 2020 and September 2021, and 28% lost income as a result. Despite accounting for 99% of the UK’s business population and 61% of employment, many rarely have the resources to deal with legal issues in-house.
This is especially true for emerging brands looking to sell their products through online marketplaces, where trade marking and brand registration still represents one of the most common barriers to entry.
To combat this, GS1 UK and Pulse Law are launching a new initiative to provide expert advice to all who need it. Through a programme of interactive Q&As, live roundtable events and online content, the two organisations will work hand in hand to share valuable insights and offer legal support.
Pulse Law is also offering a free consultation and review to all GS1 UK members. They provide a range of products and services starting from just £99 and all visitors to their website can take advantage of their free Trademark search tool. To find out how you can receive expert trade marking, brand registration and IP advice, contact [email protected].
A thriving SME community is vital, not only for the UK economy but also for society as a whole. A high proportion of our membership frequently reports that trade marking and brand registration present major challenges that can hinder their ambitions for growth.
By partnering with the expert team at Pulse Law, we will be able to provide our members with much needed legal support and advice, enabling many to protect their brands, keep trading and, more importantly, keep growing.
– Sarah Atkins, CMO and membership director, GS1 UK
Owning and protecting your brand is one of the most important things an SME can do, especially when it comprises 70-80 per cent of your business’s value. Traditionally, legal services are expensive and confusing, but Pulse is on a mission to democratise the law and make it accessible and affordable to all.
We’re excited to now bring our range of trade marking services to GS1 UK and we look forward to working with their members to help them protect, build and grow their businesses.
– Adel Sheikh, Director, Pulse Law
