Trademark Renewal

How to get a trade mark renewed

You can renew a trade mark yourself online (unless yours expired more than six months ago, then you may be able to apply for a trade mark renewal via post) after 10 years.

You have a 12-month period to renew a trade mark which covers the six months before it expires and the six months afterwards.

It is possible to renew trade marks after the expiry of the renewal period in some circumstances. Contact us if you need assistance with a late renewal.

When renewing a trade mark, you need to check all the essential details like the name of the trade mark owner or legal representative as well as the trade mark registration number, the appropriate class of goods and services, and pay the renewal fees in order to retain your registration.

This is also an ideal time to check the rights you have so that you are sure you have adequate protection for your trade marks. This includes looking at the style of mark registered and whether it has evolved since it was first filed, as well as considering if the goods or services adequately describe your current commercial interests.

These interests often change, and you may need to refresh your rights by filing a new trade mark application. Also, making sure you have the correct owner and address listed against your trade mark is an important bit of housekeeping that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The starting fee for trade mark renewal in the UK is £200 for the first class of goods or services your trade mark belongs to, increasing by £50 for each extra class.

Similarly, you can renew a European mark using European Union Intellectual Property Office’s (EUIPO) online request form, while international trade mark renewals can be made using the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) online portal, eMadrid.

UK-based companies or individuals cannot apply for EU trade marks, or take action against a competing EU mark, unless they have a representative entitled to act before the EU Registry – a change that is a consequence of Brexit.

If you require long-term trade mark management and want the trade mark renewal process to become smoother and automatic, you should consider a trade mark renewal service.

For a relatively small fee, an experienced attorney can explain the process and ensure you complete the relevant form properly and within the expected timeframe. They can renew your trade mark in a timely manner on your behalf and advise you on how to keep your trademark rights up to date.

This service would also ensure you receive relevant notifications about your trade mark, for example the application for registration of potentially competing trade marks. You would also be kept up to date with any changes in law and practice that might impact your mark.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of a trade mark renewal service and the support it can offer your business, simply contact our expert team of attorneys.