How Can I Make Sure My Trademark Remains Protected?
To maintain your trademark registration with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) and ensure its protection in the marketplace, you should:
Note that this is not a comprehensive list, and it is recommended to consult with one of our trademark attorneys for personalized guidance on maintaining and protecting your trademark.
Trademark Maintenance
Between the 5th and 6th year of a trademark registration, you or your business (e.g. the trademark owner) must file a Declaration of Use or Excusable Nonuse, also known as Section 8 Declaration, to demonstrate that the trademark is still in use in commerce and to show that you have not abandoned using the trademark in the marketplace. This Section 8 Declaration must be filed along with a specimen (or evidence) showing how the trademark is being used in commerce, and the required fee must be paid to the USPTO. Failure to file a Section 8 Declaration and pay the required fee could result in the USPTO automatically cancelling your trademark registration.
Between the 5th and 6th year anniversary of the trademark registration, you may also file a Declaration of Incontestability, also known as Section 15 Declaration, with the USPTO. A Declaration of Incontestability provides evidence that your trademark has been in continuous use for five years and that no one has successfully challenged its validity during that time period.
Filing a Declaration of Incontestability can provide additional legal benefits, such as:
However, filing a Declaration of Incontestability is optional, and it is not necessary filing to maintain your trademark registration with the USPTO.
Trademark Renwal
Between the 9th and 10th anniversary of a trademark registration, you or your business (e.g. the trademark owner) must file a trademark renewal application with the USPTO. The trademark renewal application must include:
It is important to note that if the trademark has not been used in commerce during the previous five years, or if you (e.g., the trademark owner) cannot demonstrate a good faith intention to use it in the future, the trademark registration may be cancelled by the USPTO.
It is recommended to renew a trademark registration before the 9th anniversary in order to avoid late renewal fees and other possible penalties. Failing to renew a trademark registration on time may result in the cancellation of the trademark registration, and the trademark owner may lose the exclusive rights to use the trademark.
Enforcing Trademark Rights
To enforce your trademark registration against possible trademark infringement, you can take the following steps:
Note: It is highly recommended to consult with one of our trademark attorneys for personalized guidance and representation in enforcing your trademark rights.