GS1 UK partners with trade mark law firm to make legal advice “more accessible and affordable” for SMEs

GS1 UK, a community of more than 58,000 members working in retail, healthcare and other sectors, is collaborating with expert trade mark law firm, Pulse Law, to help SMEs protect their products, brands and IP.

With SMEs accounting for over 80 per cent of GS1 UK’s membership, the not-for-profit membership organisation 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 per cent encountered at least one legal issue between September 2020 and September 2021, and 28 per cent lost income as a result.

To combat this, GS1 UK and Pulse Law, both based in London, will be 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. It provides a range of products and services and all visitors to Its website can take advantage of their free trademark search tool to check if their brand name is available.

Sarah Atkins, CMO and membership director at GS1 UK, said: “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 trademarking 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.”

Adel Sheikh, director at Pulse Law, added: “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 trademarking services to GS1 UK and we look forward to working with their members to help them protect, build and grow their businesses.”