How do I keep my trademark registration active?

Continue using the trademark in commerce for the registered goods or services, keep the registration information accurate, and make all required maintenance filings on time. For most registrations, that means a Section 8 filing between years five and six, followed by combined Sections 8 and 9 filings between years nine and ten and every 10 years thereafter.

Federal can remain active indefinitely, but only if the owner continues to meet legal requirements. Unlike a patent with a fixed term, a trademark registration must be maintained through continued qualifying use and periodic filings with the USPTO.

For most U.S. registrations, a Section 8 declaration is due between the fifth and sixth anniversaries of registration. A combined Section 8 and Section 9 filing is generally due between the ninth and tenth anniversaries and every 10 years thereafter. A six-month grace period is generally available after these deadlines with additional fees.

An Office Action is a formal written notice from the USPTO explaining a legal refusal, procedural requirement, or other issue that must be addressed before the application can continue.

Intent to use means the applicant has a bona fide, or genuine good-faith, intention to use the mark in commerce but has not yet begun the qualifying use needed for registration.