Everything You Need To Know About Trademark Renewal

The trademark renewal process is one of the essential aspects of trademark law. Trademark registration lasts for ten years from the date you file your application.

Trademark renewal allows you to keep your trademark active and in good standing to continue serving its purpose. 

Invest time to understand what you need to know about trademark renewal.

Renewal services

Your trademark loses its legal bearing if you don’t renew it. Consequently, it will no longer have the rights and protection it had in the past. Your firm leaves itself open to the risk of having its brand stolen if you don’t seek trademark renewal service.

However, you still have options, even if you don’t renew your trademark. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is very accommodating on renewals.

Furthermore, six months before the expiration, they issue you a notification informing you the registration is about to lapse. When you fail to respond to the initial report, USPTO will give you a second notice informing you that your trademark registration is nearing termination.

The registrar will also warn of trademark withdrawal from the official journal after the registration expiration. If the registrar fails to deliver these notifications, your trademark will remain in the journal, and you won’t be able to have it withdrawn.

You should get your renewal during the final six months of your trademark’s validity. It’s more convenient and cost-effective to accomplish it in that period.

What do I need to access trademark renewal services?

The documents and details you need to secure your trademark’s renewal include the following:

• Digital image of your brand logo
• Types of goods under your brand
• Proof of address
• Details of your trademark

While you don’t need power of attorney to renew the trademark in the United States, you must present a priority document certified by a translator.

When getting a trademark renewal, you can either update or uphold its current registration state. The law allows business owners to initiate the process themselves or delegate the responsibility to a representative. After submission of the application, you can monitor its progress in the trademark journal.

The registrar will verify that no other organization has ownership of the same trademark as the one currently under review. The success of the process is contingent on there being no opposition to the renewal.

Anyone seeking to oppose the renewal of your trademark must do that within thirty days of publication on the USPTO website. If USPTO issues a refusal, you must respond within six months.

Why you should renew your trademark on time

It’s advisable to renew your business trademark on time. Otherwise, your competitor might come and claim ownership of the brand. The competitor company will easily acquire your trademark if their products and services differ.

Wrap up

You should always make sure that your trademark is up to date. If you’re unsure how long your brand has been active, you can do a quick online search. You must begin this procedure three months before your trademark expiration to ensure it proceeds.