Source: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-maintaining-trademark-registration/post-registration-faqs
Timestamp: 2020-03-31 23:48:03
Document Index: 143639539

Matched Legal Cases: ['§2', '§8', '§8', '§2', '§11', '§11', '§ 1058', '§ 1059', '§8', '§8', '§8', '§9', '§8', '§9', '§8', '§9', '§8', '§9', '§8', '§9', '§ 1059', '§9', '§9', '§8', '§9', '§8', '§15', '§15', '§8', '§15', '§15', '§71', '§15', '§15', '§15', '§15', '§15', '§1141', '§1141', '§15', '§2', '§15', '§1065', '§15', '§7', '§71', '§71', '§66', '§1141', '§71', '§71']

Post-Registration FAQs | USPTO
Trademark Help - Maintaining a Trademark - Basics
View the "Post-Registration Issue" video for an overview of the most important issues you should be aware of after your application has matured into a registration. The video explains the required maintenance documents that you must file to keep your registration alive, as well as discusses an optional filing to enhance the legal strength of your registration. Failure to file the required maintenance documents discussed in this video can result in the cancellation of your registration.
Enhanced Accessibility Version of the "Post-Registration Issues" Video [run time: 15:56]
Trademark Help - Maintaining a Trademark - Section 8
If the mark is in use: a statement that the registered mark is in use in commerce; a list of the goods/services recited in the registration on or in connection with which the mark is in use; and one specimen per class of goods/services. Examples of acceptable specimens are tags/labels affixed to the goods, and advertisements for services; and
A signed and dated affidavit or declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20. supporting the above statements.
What is the fee for filing a §8 Declaration?
The fee for filing a §8 Declaration electronically using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) is $125 per class of goods/services. There is an additional grace period surcharge of $100 per class of goods/services when filing electronically during the 6-month grace period.
A list of the goods/services in the registration on or in connection with which the mark is not in use in commerce; the date of the last use of the mark in commerce;
The date of the last use of the mark in commerce; the approximate date when use in commerce is expected to resume; details regarding the reason for nonuse; and specific steps being taken to resume use; and
A signed and dated affidavit or declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20 supporting the above statements.
An attorney as defined in 37 C.F.R. §11.1 who is qualified to practice under 37 C.F.R. §11.14 and who has actual written or verbal power of attorney or an implied power of attorney from the owner.
You can also view the status of your registration and view and download documents contained in the USPTO’s electronic records using our Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) database. To retrieve the records relating to your trademark, enter your application serial number or registration number and click the “Documents” button. You can find your application serial number and your registration number on your registration certificate.
First Filing Deadline: File a Declaration of Use (or Excusable Nonuse) between the 5th and 6th years after the registration date. See 15 U.S.C. § 1058. If the declaration is accepted, the registration will continue in force for the remainder of the ten-year period from the registration date, unless cancelled by an order of the Commissioner for Trademark or a federal court
​Subsequent Filing Deadline: File a Declaration of Use (or Excusable Nonuse) and an Application for Renewal between the 9th and 10th years after the registration date, and between every 9th and 10th year after the registration date thereafter. See 15 U.S.C. § 1059.
Will my registration be cancelled if I do not file a §8 Declaration?
Yes. USPTO electronic forms for filing a §8 Declaration and a combined 10-year §8 Declaration and §9 Renewal Application are available online at the USPTO website.
>> File §8 ​
Trademark Help - Maintaining a Trademark - Sections 8 & 9
Is there a fee for filing an application for renewal?
Yes. The fee for filing a §9 Renewal electronically using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) is $300 per class of goods/services. The fee for filing a Combined Section 8 Declaration and Section 9 Renewal Application electronically is $425 per class of goods/services. There is an additional surcharge of $100 per class for filing a Section 9 Renewal Application electronically within the 6-month grace period, or a $200 fee per class for filing a Combined Section 8 Declaration and Section 9 Renewal Application electronically during the grace period.
The registration number, mark and date of registration;
Is there a form for filing a combined §8 Declaration and a §9 renewal application?
Yes. USPTO electronic forms for filing a combined §8 declaration and §9 renewal application are available online at the USPTO website.
>> File combined §8 & §9
Yes. The owner must file a Declaration of Use (or Excusable Nonuse) and an Application for Renewal between the 9th and 10th years after the registration date, and between every 9th and 10th year after the registration date thereafter. See 15 U.S.C. § 1059. NOTE regarding Grace Period Filings: The above documents will be accepted as timely if filed within six months after the deadlines listed above with the payment of an additional fee. The USPTO has no authority to waive or extend the deadline for filing a proper §9 Renewal Application. Registrations cancelled due to the failure to file a §9 Renewal Application cannot be reinstated or "revived." A new application to pursue registration of the mark again must be filed.
Because the time period for filing the 10-year §8 Declaration coincides with the filing of a §9 Renewal Application, the USPTO created a form entitled "Combined Declaration of Use in Commerce & Application for Renewal of Registration of a Mark Under Sections 8 & 9" ("combined form"). As noted above, the filing of timely §8 Declarations are required to avoid the cancellation of a registration.
Trademark Help - Maintaining a Trademark - Section 15
Yes. The fee for filing a §15 Declaration electronically using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) is $200 per class of goods/services. The filing fee for a Sections 8 & 15 Combined Declaration is $325 per class.
Yes. There are electronic forms for filing a §15 Declaration, a combined §8 and §15 Declaration, and a combined §15 and §71 Declaration, using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). These forms may be filed separately as well in accordance with the specific requirements of each.
To what extent does the USPTO examine a Claim of Incontestability under §15?
The USPTO neither examines the merits of §15 Declarations nor "accepts" §15 Declarations. However, the USPTO will review a §15 Declaration to determine whether it complies with statutory requirements. The USPTO will acknowledge receipt of only those §15 Declarations that meet all statutory requirements. Section 15 Declarations for registrations issued under Section 69, 15 U.S.C. §1141i, may only be filed in accordance with the specific time requirements outlined in Section 73. 15 U.S.C. §1141m. Section 73 itself does not require a separate filing, but rather only establishes the time for filing. The §15 Declaration form may be used regardless of the original basis for registration.
A signed and dated affidavit or declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20. verifying the statements above.
An "incontestable" registration is conclusive evidence of the validity of the registered mark, of the registration of the mark, of the owner's ownership of the mark and of the owner's exclusive right to use the mark with the goods/services. The claim of incontestability is subject to certain limited exceptions set forth in §§15 and 33(b) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. §§1065 and 1115(b).
Am I required to file a §15 Declaration?
Trademark Help - Maintaining a Trademark - Section 71
Yes, the holder of a registered extension of protection of an international registration to the U.S. must file an application for renewal of the international registration with the International Bureau (IB). 37 C.F.R. §7.41(a). Renewal of international registrations is governed by Article 7 of the Madrid Protocol and Rules 29 - 31 of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol.
Is there a form for filing a §71 Declaration?
>> File §71
Holders (owners) of registered extensions of protection to the U.S. (also called §66(a) registrations, registrations resulting from 79' series applications, international registrations extended to the U.S.) who wish to maintain the protection granted their mark in the U.S. pursuant to the Madrid Protocol must file an affidavit or declaration of use in commerce or excusable nonuse to avoid cancellation of protection in U.S. Such affidavits are required pursuant to Section 71, 15 U.S.C. §1141k, of the Trademark Act. The USPTO has no authority to waive or extend the deadline for filing a proper §71 Declaration. Registrations cancelled due to the failure to file a §71 Declaration cannot be reinstated or "revived." A new application to pursue registration of the mark again must be filed.
Where can I file additional information on maintenance requirements?
Please review the additional information on Madrid Protocol Maintenance Requirements.
On-line renewals may be filed through the WIPO Marks E-Renewal System.
This page is owned by Trademarks. Published on: Nov 20, 2014 09:57 PM EST	Last Modified: Feb 15, 2020 12:01 AM EST