An application has been made to register “The Yorkshire Beekeeper” as a trade mark. The YBKA is opposing it, because we believe this is an ordinary phrase that belongs to everyone who keeps bees in the county.
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Other ways to help
What’s happening
“Yorkshire beekeeper” is the plain, everyday way to describe anyone who keeps bees in Yorkshire. Beekeepers across the county have used it for years to describe themselves, on honey labels, at shows and markets, in talks to schools and community groups, and in conversation with each other and with customers.
An application to register “The Yorkshire Beekeeper” as a trade mark was filed on 9 December 2025 and published on 19 December 2025. It covers a wide range of goods and services. If it succeeded, one business would hold exclusive rights over a phrase that belongs to every beekeeper in the county. At least one Yorkshire beekeeper has already been threatened with legal action for using it.
The mark has not been registered. This is an application, and the YBKA has opposed it. The case is now at the defence and evidence stage.
The case at a glance
| Application number | UK00004307639 |
|---|---|
| Mark | “The Yorkshire Beekeeper” (a series of two marks) |
| Filed | 9 December 2025 |
| Published for opposition | 19 December 2025 (Journal 2025/051) |
| Classes | 3, 4, 30, 31, 33 and 35 |
| Opposition number | OP000460399 |
| Opponent | Yorkshire Beekeepers’ Association (Registered Charity No. 509743) |
| Current status | Defence filed / evidence period |
| Decision-maker | UK Intellectual Property Office |
These details are taken from the public register. Anyone can look them up on the UK Intellectual Property Office trade mark search using the application number.
Why the YBKA is opposing it
It describes what we do and where we do it
“Yorkshire” is a place and “beekeeper” is a trade. Put together, they say exactly what they appear to say. Trade mark law is meant to protect words that point to one business. It isn’t meant to give one business a monopoly over a plain description that many others need to use. In legal terms, the YBKA’s position is that the phrase is descriptive and customary in trade.
Place names should stay free
Trade mark law recognises the importance of keeping place names free for everyone who trades from that place. A beekeeper in Yorkshire has to be able to say where their bees and honey come from, whether that’s on a label, a stall sign, a website or a show entry.
The application is wide
The application covers six classes of goods and services. That goes well beyond honey. The question isn’t about one product or one business. It’s about whether a common phrase can be fenced off across a whole sector.
Beekeepers shouldn’t worry about using their own description
Hobbyists and small sellers who keep a few hives don’t have the means to defend themselves against a legal threat. They shouldn’t need to.
How you can help
- Sign the petition. It shows how many people see this phrase as theirs. Sign here.
- Tell us how you’ve used the phrase. If you use “Yorkshire beekeeper” on labels, at markets, on social media, in talks or anywhere else, tell us where and roughly when, either in the petition comments or by email. The YBKA may ask some people for a short formal statement.
- Share this page. Pass it to other beekeepers, customers, farm shops, show societies and local groups.
- Keep any correspondence. If you’ve received a letter or message about using the phrase, keep it safe and let the YBKA know.
To contact the YBKA about this case, email us here. If the link doesn’t open your email program, tell us and we’ll send you the address another way.
For YBKA members
The most useful thing a member can do is send us a short letter of support. We’ve made a Word template that explains what to include, with the parts you need to fill in highlighted.
Download the letter of support template
Use your own words where you can, keep to what you know first-hand, and send it back using the email link above.
If you give us a statement, we may submit it to the UK Intellectual Property Office as part of the YBKA’s evidence. That means the other side and the tribunal may see it, including your name. Tell us if you’d rather leave out your address or phone number.
Questions people are asking
Can I still call myself a Yorkshire beekeeper?
The YBKA’s position is that it’s an ordinary descriptive phrase, and nothing has been registered. We can’t give individual legal advice, though. If you receive a letter or message about it, keep it and contact the YBKA, and consider getting advice of your own.
Does the YBKA want to own the phrase instead?
No. The YBKA’s position is that nobody should own it. It should stay available to every beekeeper in Yorkshire.
Do I have to be a YBKA member to sign?
No. Anyone who uses the phrase or supports its free use can sign, including customers, show organisers and local groups.
What happens next?
The case is in the evidence period. The tribunal will consider the evidence from both sides and issue a decision. We’ll post updates on this page as the case moves forward.
Where can I check the details myself?
Search for application number UK00004307639 on the UK Intellectual Property Office trade mark search. The opposition number is OP000460399.
Spread the word
Copy this page’s link and share it with your District, your customers and your friends. If you’re posting on social media, #YorkshireBeekeeper and #KeepItFree will help people find it.
This page is for general information only and isn’t legal advice.