trademark electoral-commission political politics
Can a political party name be trademarked in the United Kingdom?
<p>Can a political party name be trademarked in the United Kingdom?</p>

<p>I appreciate that the name could be registered with the Electoral Commission, but the application process for that requires at least two applicants. Also, it would not stop the party name being used in areas outside the Electoral Commission's remit.</p>

<p>UK-based answer:</p>

<p>Trademark is a type of protection that prevents others from selling products similar to yours with your trademark.</p>

<p>So if a political party had a business selling T-shirts, sure it could trademark its name for the purposes of a clothes brand, and have protection there. </p>

<p>But could it trademark its name to prevent other political parties to have the same name? No, because political activity isn't a business activity.</p>

<p>Take note that owning a trademark doesn't prevent people from writing down your name or whatever. (In fact, defamation law doesn't apply to political parties, so you can say whatever you want about them.)</p>
