Trademark Renewal Filings & Maintenance in California
Trademarks don’t last forever—unless you renew them on time. The USPTO requires trademark owners to file renewal and maintenance documents at specific intervals to keep federal protection active. At SARI LAW FIRM, we help businesses in Los Angeles, Irvine, Santa Ana, San Diego, and beyond stay compliant with these deadlines and avoid costly cancellations.
Why Trademark Renewal Matters
A trademark can last indefinitely—but only if you prove continued use and file proper documents on time. Failing to do so can result in: Automatic abandonment; Loss of legal rights; Exposure to copycats and infringers; Difficulty enforcing or selling your brand. The USPTO does not remind you of upcoming renewals—you’re responsible for keeping your mark alive. 'One missed filing can undo years of brand building.'
USPTO Trademark Renewal Timeline
Here’s what the typical timeline looks like for U.S. federal trademark renewals: Between year 5–6: Section 8 – Prove use in commerce (Declaration of Continued Use); Optional at 5–6: Section 15 – Incontestability status (stronger protection); Between year 9–10: Sections 8 & 9 – Combined use & renewal filing; Every 10 years thereafter: Sections 8 & 9 – Repeated every decade to keep your trademark active.
Our Trademark Renewal Services
We manage every aspect of your renewal process to prevent errors, delays, or rejections. 1. Trademark Docket Monitoring – Track all USPTO deadlines in our internal system; Notify you ahead of time with reminders and guidance; Ensure compliance even if original filing wasn’t done by us. 2. Specimen & Use Review – Review your current trademark usage in commerce; Collect and prepare acceptable specimens (labels, product packaging, websites); Evaluate changes to logo, design, or product categories. 3. Filing & Legal Certification – File Section 8, 9, and 15 documents via TEAS; Prepare declarations and legal signatures; Monitor and confirm successful acceptance by the USPTO. We also assist with late filings or grace period renewals (with surcharges) if the deadline is approaching or recently passed.
Who Needs This Service?
You need renewal filings if: It’s been 5–10 years since your trademark was registered; You’re unsure what the renewal deadlines are; You need help collecting or preparing acceptable specimens of use; You want to file for incontestability (Section 15); You’ve inherited or acquired a mark and want to maintain its protection. We assist clients in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Irvine, Riverside, San Diego, and across California.
FAQ
What happens if I miss a trademark renewal deadline?
Your mark becomes abandoned, and you lose your exclusive rights. You may need to refile from scratch, potentially losing priority.
What is Section 8?
Section 8 is a Declaration of Continued Use, filed between the 5th and 6th year after registration. It confirms your mark is still in active use.
Should I file Section 15 too?
If eligible, yes. Section 15 gives your trademark incontestable status, making it harder for others to challenge your rights.
What is a specimen of use?
A specimen is real-world proof of use—product labels, website screenshots, packaging, etc.—showing how your mark is actually used in commerce.
I didn’t file my original trademark with your firm—can you still help?
Absolutely. We take over portfolio management and renewals even if another firm handled the initial registration.
Contact
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