Home Trademark Understanding Trademark Renewal

Understanding Trademark Renewal

Understanding Trademark Renewal

Trademark rights require renewal to legally maintain the ability of the trademark. The rights associated with trademarks will cease if a mark is not used for a period of time–typically 5 years for most jurisdictions. The United States Patent Office, the agency responsible for issuing and evaluating trademarks, requires that all trademarks be properly renewed upon expiration. 
 
 
To renew a trademark an individual must file a Declaration of Continued Use with the United States Patent Office. The Declaration of Continued Use is a sworn statement that must be filed by the owner of the trademark. The Declaration of Continued Use, which is the main form required to properly renew a trademark, must include the following information: the trademark's registration number, the name and address of the current owner, the fee for renewing the trademark, a statement that the registered trademark is in use in commerce, a list of the services or goods recited or in connection with the mark, and a signed and dated affidavit or declaration under 37 C.F.R.