How Long Is a Trademark Registration Good For?

How Long Does a Registration Last?

After surviving the lengthy process of application, approval, allowance, and ultimately registration, the initial term in most countries is ten years from that registration date. However, the European Union and Australia are among those that count the ten years from the filing date.

There are no limits on renewing your registration.

Many registrations can be renewed repeatedly, but renewal alone may not satisfy every maintenance requirement. Check the rules that apply to the country and registration involved.

When Should I Renew?

The window for renewal is short and varies from country to country. Usually, a few months before or after the current term expires.

Your trademark registration papers will show the exact timing of your renewal. It is vital that you pay attention and carefully read these papers.

Notifying Trademark Factory® brand owners of all renewal deadlines is common to our packages.

Another Important Detail

For a US registration based on Section 1 or Section 44, a Section 8 declaration of use or excusable nonuse is due between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of registration. Between the ninth and tenth anniversaries, and every ten years after that, the owner must file both a Section 8 declaration and a Section 9 renewal application. A six-month grace period is available for each of these deadlines, with additional fees. Missing the applicable deadline, including the grace period, results in cancellation or expiration. Madrid-based registrations follow a different maintenance and renewal route; check the schedule that applies to your registration.

In Summary

A trademark registration can be renewed repeatedly, but the term, renewal date and required maintenance depend on the jurisdiction and registration basis. Renewal is not always the only filing required. For US Section 1 or Section 44 registrations, plan for the fifth-to-sixth-year use filing and the later use-and-renewal filings every ten years. Check the official record and applicable deadlines rather than relying on a general ten-year rule.

Protect Your Brand

Never miss a renewal or mandatory filing when you partner with the pros at Trademark Factory®. Keep doing what you do best and build your business. Let Trademark Factory® and our all-inclusive, 100% cash-back guarantee of trademark registration do our best for you.

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