Did you file your trademark on your own or with Legal Zoom? Enterprising entrepreneurs who have received trademarks on their own or with Legal Zoom, are often surprised when they receive a notice via email or regular mail informing them that it is time to renew their trademark. Filing for a trademark and submitting the evidence of use, only once is not enough. In order to continuously own a trademark, a business owner/entrepreneur must continue using their trademark. Continual usage of a trademark is the only way to keep the trademark alive and reap the benefits of trademark ownership.
For the following years after the registration date of your trademark, The United States Patent and Trademark Office requires that the following documents be filed:
Between the fifth and sixth years after the registration date of the trademark File a Declaration of Use and/or Excusable Nonuse under section 8
Between the ninth and 10th years after the registration date of the trademark File the first Declaration of Use and/or Excusable Nonuse and an Application for Renewal under sections 8 and 9
Every 10 years after that (between the 19th and 20th years, 29th and 30th years, etc.) File subsequent Declarations of Use and/or Excusable Nonuse and an Application for Renewal under sections 8 and 9.
Once the required maintenance (trademark renewal) documents are filed, the United States Patent and Trademark Office will review and approve or deny the trademark renewal application.
Maintaining and renewing your trademark has so many benefits. As long as you are using the trademark in connection with the goods and services of your brand, you can use your trademark to generate multiple streams of income. To learn more about how to make money with your trademark, click the button below.