What is Trademark Renewal?

A trademark is a distinctive sign used by a business to differentiate its products or services from those of others. It can include symbols, labels, logos, and names, often marked with the “®” symbol upon registration. Trademarks are registered under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 in India. However, trademarks that are offensive, non-distinctive, or include government emblems are not eligible for registration.

As per Section 25 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, a registered trademark is valid for a period of 10 years. After this, it can be renewed for an additional 10 years, provided the necessary documentation is submitted and the required conditions are met.

Trademark Renewal

Duration for renewing a Trademark

According to rules 57 and 58 in Trade Mark rules 2017, the renewal can be filed within 1 year before the date of expiry.

According to rules 63 and 64 in Trade Mark rules 2002, the renewal can be filed within 6 months before the date of expiry.

The renewal can also be filed within 6 months since the date of expiry.

Forms

In order to renew a Trademark, the following forms should be offered along with the prescribed fee :

Form No.PurposeCost of physical filingCost of e-filing
TM-RApplication form to renew a registered trademark to be used by the registered ownerAs per govt. feeAs per govt. fee
Application to renew with a surcharge of registration of a TrademarkAs per govt. feeAs per govt. fee
TM-18Affidavit supporting the statement of the case  

Applications can be filed by the following members in order to renew or restore the trademark :

The owner of the registered trademark

An agent related with the registered trademark

Advantages of Trademark Renewal in India

Legal Protection

It is possible to have a flawless trademark protection without any possibilities of legal action. Renewal of trademarks prevents the trademark owner from someone who wants to claim rights over the trademark.

Expansion of Ownership Rights

One can get protection from violation of rights over the brand name. The exclusive rights over the trademark are increased for 10 years after each renewal. Therefore it offers a permanent protection to the brand and its goodwill made by the business.

Brand Name Security

Trademark renewal guarantees continuous and unlimited protection of the brand name. Failure of renewal causes lapse of legal protection in Brand name.

Monetary Returns

A trademark owner possesses the exclusive rights to assign or license the trademark to someone else for some financial return. Therefore, one can get benefits from a registered trademark too.

Documents needed for filing Trademark Renewal Application

Proof of Applicant – Certificate of registration (other than Individual applicant), Address Proof and PAN Card of Applicant

TM Certificate – Trademark registration certificate

Power of Attorney – It permits the attorney filing the trademark renewal application on your behalf

Copy of TM-A – The application filed for registration is to be produced

What Is the Procedure of Trademark Renewal?

The trademark renewal procedure can be performed in 2 methods –

Application for renewal in order to change any words or sign in the existing trademark or

Application can be filed otherwise without a modification in trademark

Let us know the procedure of trade renewal in detail :

An application for renewal is to be made in form TM-R

Filing of the application can be done by either registered proprietor of the trademark or an agent approved by him

It is recommended to take help of any expert in order to file for renewal of a trademark. This way your trademark will be well protected.

Filing for a renewal application for trademark increases its lifespan for another 10 years without any interruption provided that your trademark must be renewed again before it gets expired.

Once trademark renewal application is filed, it is essential to check the status of your application at regular intervals until it gets processed by the registrar.

The Trademark Journal includes an official gazette of the Trademark registry that manages the application status.

Thus, when you choose renewal, keep in mind that this procedure should start 3 to 6 months before the expiry of the trademark. You need to file Form-18 with the requisite fees that should be paid for the renewal. Once filing of the application is done, the application is reviewed for quality before it gets the authorization for renewal.

What is the process if the renewal period is expired?

If you failed to renew your trademark, then you can apply for restoration. You can apply for restoration by submitting an application and paying the recommended fee under section 25(4) of the Trademark Act, 1999. Though, this can only be performed within 1 year of the expiry of the trademark. The registrar will consider the circumstance keeping in mind the interest of the other parties doesn’t get violated. Once filing of restoration is done, the registrar will publish it in a journal. If there are no objections from the third party then the proprietor will acquire it back.