What is a trademark renewal and when must it be completed?

A trademark renewal is the act of renewing a trademark registration. This is necessary to keep a trademark active and enforceable for the owner, in most cases for an indefinite period of time. In California, a trademark renewal must be completed every ten years to maintain the trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The renewal must be filed within six months before or after the tenth anniversary of the trademark registration date. The trademark renewal process involves filing a renewal application with the USPTO. The application must include the legal name and address of the trademark owner, the trademark registration number and the date of the original registration. In addition, it must be accompanied by an affidavit or declaration and the required renewal fee. The renewal application must also include a specimen of the trademark as it is currently in use. Once the USPTO receives a complete and accurate renewal application, it will process it and either grant or deny the renewal. If the application is granted, the USPTO will issue a new registration certificate with a new expiration date. It is important to note that the USPTO will only grant a trademark renewal if the trademark is still in use. If the trademark is not in use, the renewal may be denied. It is therefore important to maintain continuous use of the trademark if one wishes to keep the registration alive.

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What is a trademark renewal and when must it be completed?

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