Partner Rebecca Tew has been featured in The Times and World IP Review providing commentary on the increase in trade mark applications that are associated with popular sports game Padel.
The commentary highlights the growth of investment in padel-related brands and the importance of IP protection to help stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market, which has already been demonstrated in a range of categories including raquets, clubs, clothing and more.
Read the extended press release below.
- Number of people playing padel in the UK more than doubled last year to 860,000
- UK businesses move to protect an increasingly lucrative business
Trade marks filings to register new padel brands in the UK rose 148% to 270 in the year to 31 March 2025, up from 109 the previous year, shows new research by leading intellectual property law firm Mathys & Squire*.
In comparison, only 23 new brands related to tennis were registered over the same period.
The rise in padel brands comes as entrepreneurs and investors move quickly to tap into the sport’s booming growth. The number of people in the UK who played padel at least once in 2025 more than doubled to 860,000, up from 400,000 in 2024**.
Brands that registered padel related trade marks in the past year span a wide range of products and services. These include padel clubs and academies, padel racquet manufacturers, specialist padel clothing brands, a professional padel championship, and even drinks and restaurants with padel-inspired branding.
Rebecca Tew, Partner at Mathys & Squire, says “UK businesses are moving fast to establish brands that stand out in a fast-growing and increasingly competitive market. Securing registered trade mark protection can help them build long-term value into the brands they create.”
“Having a trade mark can help companies protect against competitors trying to encroach on the brand that they have developed and invested in.
“For these businesses securing their name and logo through a trade mark is key, as these are what customers recognise, trust and return to.”
“As the number of padel players continues to grow and spending increases, counterfeiters or competitors might seek to exploit successful brands. Having a trade mark allows businesses to act against these attempts quickly and effectively.”
Businesses are drawn to the higher-income demographic that padel attracts. The sport tends to appeal to urban professionals in major cities, as it can be played in compact spaces in busy areas and matches can be completed in a short time.
Padel has received increasing media attention in recent years, with famous tennis players like Andy Murray and high-profile figures such as Shakira and Cristiano Ronaldo all declaring themselves big fans of the sport.
Trade mark filings for padel have surged in recent years, leaving tennis behind
* Research based on data from the Intellectual Property Office
** Source: LTA Padel, the UK’s National Governing Body for tennis and padel
