UKIPO Considers HOST Mark Opposition in June Ruling

In June 2026 the UK Intellectual Property Office issued decision O/0501/26 in opposition proceedings brought by Host Student Housing Management (UK) Ltd against Greene King Brewing and Retailing Limited’s application to register HOST in class 43. The application covered hospitality services including restaurant, bar, catering and reservation services. The opponent relied on its earlier UK registration for accommodation services for students, which had been on the register for more than five years and was therefore subject to proof of use requirements. The hearing officer examined whether genuine use of the earlier mark had been shown in the relevant five-year period ending on the filing date of the contested application. Evidence from both sides included witness statements and supporting exhibits. The decision applied established UK and assimilated EU case law on the assessment of genuine use, the similarity of marks and the comparison of services. The ruling provides a recent illustration of how the registry handles proof-of-use challenges in the hospitality sector.

Small businesses should keep detailed, dated records of trademark use across relevant services to support or defend registrations in opposition or revocation actions.