Trademark Renewal
Trademark Renewal: Keeping Your Brand Protected
A registered trademark isn’t a one-time task—it requires periodic renewal to maintain its legal protection and ensure your brand remains exclusively yours. Failing to renew your trademark can result in losing exclusive rights, opening the door for others to register a similar mark.
When to Renew Your Trademark?
- Validity Period: A registered trademark in India is valid for 10 years from the date of registration.
- Renewal Window: You can apply for renewal within 1 year before expiration or up to 6 months after expiry (with a late fee).
- Grace Period: A grace period of 6 months post-expiry is provided for late renewals with additional fees.
Documents Needed for Trademark Renewal
To renew a registered trademark in India, you need to submit the following documents along with the TM-12 renewal form to the Registrar of Trademarks (RoT):
✅ A certified copy of the original trademark registration certificate
✅ A certified copy of the TM-A form (used during the initial registration)
✅ Identification proof of the applicant
✅ Residence proof of the applicant
✅ A Power of Attorney (if the applicant is representing the trademark owner)
Trademark Renewal Procedure in India: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Submitting the Application
Form TM-R: The renewal process starts by submitting Form TM-R to the Trademark Registry.
Required Details:
- 🔢 Trademark registration number
- 📅 Current trademark status
- 📞 Applicant’s contact details
Step 2: Scrutiny and Review
- The Registry evaluates the application to verify:
- Trademark’s remaining validity
- Compliance with renewal conditions
- If issues or discrepancies arise:
- An official notice will be sent.
- You must respond within the stipulated time frame to avoid application rejection.
Step 3: Publication in the Trademark Journal
- Once the scrutiny is complete:
- Details of the renewed trademark are published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months.
- This period allows for public objections.
- If objections arise:
- A response must be submitted by the applicant.
- A hearing might be scheduled for resolution.
Step 4: Granting the Trademark Renewal Certificate
- Upon successful resolution of objections (if any):
- The Trademark Registry issues a Trademark Renewal Certificate.
- The trademark is valid for another 10 years from the previous expiry date.
