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.