Sounds can be registered as British trademarks. At the same time, the UK has not yet left the EU, and EU trademarks can also be registered as sound trademarks. In terms of trademark registration form requirements, the European Union in principle implements a registration system for pattern representation. Therefore, sound trademarks should be given priority to use pattern representation. Specifically, the staff or sound spectrum can be used as the trademark pattern. The Shield Mark case is a typical case involving sound trademarks in the European Union. Sounds can be registered as trademarks as long as they meet registration requirements. The European Court of Justice further pointed out that although the sound itself cannot be perceived through vision, as long as the written description meets the requirements of being clear, accurate, complete and independent, accessible, easy to understand, durable and objective, it can be registered as a trademark.

However, the current registration of sound trademarks is still controversial.

Trademark examination in the UK only conducts examination on absolute grounds and not on relative grounds.

According to Section 3 of the Trademark Law, the following circumstances shall not be registered:

1) Those that do not meet the definition of trademark in Section 1 of the Trademark Law

2) Lack of distinctiveness

3) Direct description of commodity category, quality, quantity and other characteristics

4) Has become a lingua franca in current languages

5 ) Violates social norms and moral standards

6) Deceptive (quality or source of trademark/service)

7) The trademark application is made in bad faith

8) Contains any symbols, portraits, etc. related to the royal family

9) National flag, national emblem, regional flags of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, emblems of international organizations, military logos, etc.

10) Containing the Olympic logo

Please be aware of the conditions for British trademark registration, I hope it can help you!