Trademark Renewal: Keeping Your Brand Protected
A trademark renewal is a crucial step in maintaining ownership and protection of your registered brand name, logo, or slogan. While registering a trademark gives you exclusive legal rights, these rights are not permanent unless the trademark is renewed on time.
In most countries, a trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of registration. After this period, the owner must file a renewal application to keep the trademark active and enforceable. Some regions, such as the United States, also require a “Declaration of Use” between the 5th and 6th year to show that the mark is still being used in commerce.
Failing to renew a trademark can result in the registration being canceled or marked as abandoned. This means you may lose all legal protection, and someone else could register a similar mark.
Renewing your trademark involves submitting the necessary forms, paying the renewal fee, and, in some cases, providing proof of continued use. The process is generally straightforward but must be done before the deadline.
Timely trademark renewal is essential for brand protection, especially for growing businesses. It helps secure your intellectual property and ensures that your brand remains uniquely yours in the marketplace.