What is a trademark renewal and when must it be completed?
A trademark renewal is the process of renewing a trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Trademarks serve to protect the distinctiveness of a business’s name, logo, slogan, or other design feature. In Washington, a trademark must be renewed every 10 years in order for the protection to remain in effect. To start the renewal process, a business must submit an application and pay a fee to the USPTO. The renewal process is generally simple and requires minimal paperwork. The application should include a specimen of the trademark, which is a sample showing how the trademark is actually used in business. This is often a photograph of the trademark on a product or piece of marketing material. In addition to submitting the fee and application, businesses must file an affidavit of continued use with the USPTO. This demonstrates that the trademark is still in use, and is an assertion that the trademark has been in continuous use since the original registration. The USPTO must receive the renewal six months before the expiration date of the original registration. Once the renewal is approved, the trademark will remain in effect for another 10 years. It is important for businesses to keep track of their renewal date in order to ensure their trademark does not expire.
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