Trademark Maintenance & Renewal
Don’t Let Your Trademark Expire.
A registered trademark can last forever, but only if you file the right documents at the right time. Miss a deadline and your registration is in danger of being abandoned. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
WHY IT MATTERS
Your Trademark Can Last Forever.
Unlike patents and copyrights, a federal trademark registration never has to expire. As long as you continue using the mark in commerce and file the required maintenance documents, your registration stays alive indefinitely.
The problem is the filing windows are easy to miss, especially if you registered years ago and have been focused on running your business. If the required documents aren’t filed, your trademark registration is canceled.
Once canceled, you cannot simply reinstate. You would need to file a brand new application, start the process over, and potentially face new conflicts that didn’t exist when you originally registered.
Filed between the 5th and 6th anniversary of your registration date. This declaration confirms you are still using the mark in commerce. You must include a specimen showing current use and pay the USPTO filing fee per class of goods or services.
Filed alongside the Declaration of Continued Use, this optional filing significantly strengthens your mark. Once incontestable, your registration becomes conclusive evidence of your exclusive right to use the mark, making it much harder for others to challenge.
The Trademark Maintenance Timeline
Here are filing windows you need to know about over the life of your registration, along with current USPTO fees and what happens if you miss each one.
Congratulations! Your mark is now federally registered. Your registration date starts the clock on all future maintenance deadlines. Save the date somewhere you won't lose it.
You must file a Declaration of Continued Use (Section 8) confirming your mark is still in use in commerce, along with a current specimen. You may also file a Declaration of Incontestability (Section 15) at this time if your mark has been in continuous use for five years after registration. Filing both together is common and saves time.
If you missed the Years 5–6 window you have a 6-month grace period to still file. Additional fees apply per class. After the grace period closes your registration is canceled and cannot be revived.
At the 10-year mark you must file a combined Declaration of Continued Use and Application for Renewal (Sections 8 & 9) to keep your registration alive for another 10-year term. This filing is required every 10 years going forward for as long as you hold the mark.
If you missed the Years 9–10 renewal window you have a 6-month grace period to still file. Additional fees apply per class. After the grace period closes your registration is canceled and you would need to start over with a new application.
As long as you continue using the mark and filing timely renewals your registration never expires. Trademark protection, unlike patents, can last as long as your business does.
What’s Included
Let Me Handle The Details
Trademark maintenance filings are easy to forget and expensive to miss. I track the deadlines, prepare the documents and file everything on time so your registration stays protected.
I'll pull your registration and confirm exactly what needs to be filed, when it's due, and whether you're still within the standard window or the grace period.
I prepare the maintenance documents as needed along with a specimen review to make sure everything meets USPTO requirements.
I handle the USPTO submission directly and send you confirmation. Your registration stays protected and you don't have to think about it again until the next renewal window.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Trademark Renewal FAQ
How long does a trademark registration last?
A federal trademark registration lasts for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year increments. However, you must also file a Declaration of Continued Use between years 5 and 6 or your registration will be canceled before the 10-year mark.
What is a specimen and why do I need one?
A specimen is real-world evidence showing your mark being used in commerce. For goods, this is typically a product label, tag, or packaging. For services, it can be a website screenshot, advertisement, or brochure. The USPTO requires a current specimen with your maintenance filings to confirm the mark is still in active use.
What is the Declaration of Incontestability and should I file it?
The Declaration of Incontestability is an optional filing available between years 5 and 6 of your registration. Once filed, your registration becomes conclusive evidence of your exclusive right to use the mark, making it significantly harder for others to challenge. It is almost always worth filing if your mark qualifies.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
There is a 6-month grace period after each filing window during which you can still file with an additional fee. If you miss the grace period entirely, your registration is canceled. You would need to file a new application from scratch, losing your original registration date and any priority that came with it.
Can my registration be audited?
Yes. The USPTO runs a Proof of Use Audit Program that randomly selects registrations for review. If selected, you will receive an Office Action requesting proof of use for each good or service listed in your registration. Registrations with multiple goods or services in multiple classes are most commonly selected.
KEEP IT ALIVE
Let’s Check Your Deadlines.
Share your registration number below and I’ll review your filing deadlines and get back to you within one business day.