How long does a trademark last?

Tips

A trade mark is an intangible asset—owned by a person or business—that helps establish brand identity and is a valuable asset which gives an assurance of the origin of the products and their quality. In the UK, a registered trade mark provides enforceable rights against unauthorised use by infringers, but it requires periodic renewal to maintain protection.

Duration of Protection

In the UK, a registered trade mark is valid for 10 years from the date of application. You must renew it to continue benefiting from its legal protection.

Renewal Periods & Fees

You can renew a UK trade mark:

  • Up to 6 months before expiry date,
  • Within 6 months after expiry—subject to a £50 late renewal fee, in addition to the standard renewal cost

If renewal is delayed beyond this 6-month period, you may apply to restore the registration if there are compelling grounds to do so by post within 6–12 months after expiry.

Statutory fees Cost:

  • £200 – first class of goods/services
  • £50 – each additional class
  • £50 – late renewal fee if within the grace period

What Happens If You Don’t Renew?

  • Your trademark aapses at expiry (+6 months grace): At the end of this grace period, the mark is considered dead.
  • Restoration window (6–12 months after renewal date): accepted at the discretion of the Registry
  • Beyond 12 months: The mark cannot be renewed/restored and a new application is required.

Why Keep Your Trade Mark Live?

Renewing ensures:

  1. Continued rights to enable trademark owners stop copycats and protect brand reputation
  2. Asset value preservation—they remain on your balance sheet
  3. To allow you to Prevent third-party registrations, that can damage the exclusivity of the mark

Beware of Renewal Scams

Fraudsters often send unofficial invoices or bogus renewal notices, which offer to renew trademarks ahead of the 6 month renewal window and at an inflated price. Avoid falling for these by:

  • Only responding to communications from your Attorney or the UKIPO.
  • Knowing your renewal dates

Ignoring private register offers that may look official – ask your Attorneys advice before making any payments.

Need Help Renewing?

Trademark Eagle offers:

  • Clear guidance on renewal timelines, fees, and class selection
  • Professional management of renewal paperwork
  • Alerts, deadline reminders, and anti-scam monitoring
  • Transparent and fixed-fee pricing

Get in touch via phone or email for expert support.

Conclusion

A UK registered trade mark lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Use the six-month pre-expiry window to renew safely—and rely on restoration options only if absolutely necessary. Proactive renewal keeps your brand protected and legally enforceable.

Please get in touch for more information on how we can help you:

Call: 08081 890 219

Email: enquiries@trademark-eagle.com

Or complete our online contact form

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