What Is Trademark Renewal?

A registered trademark gives you the exclusive legal right to use your brand name, logo, or slogan in connection with the goods and services it covers. But trademark registration is not permanent by default — in most jurisdictions, a trademark registration must be actively renewed at regular intervals to remain in force.

Failure to renew a trademark at the correct time results in the registration lapsing. Once lapsed, your exclusive rights to the mark are lost, and a competitor or third party may be free to register and use a similar mark in your market — potentially causing serious damage to your brand value and customer recognition.

How Often Do Trademarks Need to Be Renewed?

In most countries, trademarks must be renewed every 10 years from the date of registration. This renewal cycle can, in theory, continue indefinitely — meaning a trademark can be kept in force forever, as long as renewal fees are paid on time and the mark continues to be used in commerce.

However, the specific renewal deadlines, fee structures, and grace periods vary by jurisdiction. In Australia, renewal is due every 10 years from the filing date. In the United States, renewal is due at the 10-year mark, but an additional Declaration of Use (or Excusable Non-Use) must be filed between years 5 and 6. In the European Union, renewal is due every 10 years from the registration date. ipRenewal manages renewal schedules across all major jurisdictions so you don’t have to.

What Happens If You Miss a Trademark Renewal Deadline?

Most trademark offices provide a grace period — typically 6 months — during which a late renewal can be filed with a surcharge. After the grace period expires, the registration is removed from the register and the rights are lost. In some jurisdictions, a cancelled trademark can be restored through a separate restoration or reinstatement process, but this is more complex, expensive, and not always available.

ipRenewal monitors all renewal deadlines and sends proactive reminders well in advance, giving rights holders adequate time to respond and authorise renewal without incurring late penalties.

Trademark Use Requirements

Many jurisdictions impose a use requirement alongside the renewal obligation. A trademark that has not been used in commerce for a continuous period — typically 3 to 5 years — may be vulnerable to cancellation for non-use, even if renewal fees have been paid. This is particularly relevant in Australia, where a trademark can be challenged for non-use after 3 years, and in the United States, where a Declaration of Use must be filed between the 5th and 6th anniversary of registration.

ipRenewal assists trademark owners in documenting and evidencing use of their marks, helping to maintain the validity of their registrations against non-use challenges.

Trademark Renewal Across Multiple Jurisdictions

If your brand operates across multiple markets, managing trademark renewals becomes significantly more complex. Each jurisdiction has its own renewal deadlines, fee structures, official languages, and filing requirements. A trademark registered in Australia, the EU, the UK, and the US will have four separate renewal dates and four separate sets of obligations.

ipRenewal provides multi-jurisdiction trademark renewal management, coordinating renewals across all relevant territories through a single point of contact. Our global network of IP professionals ensures that filings are made in the correct form, at the correct time, and with all required supporting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Renewal

How much does it cost to renew a trademark in Australia?

The official renewal fee for an Australian trademark is $400 per class for online filing as of 2025. ipRenewal’s service fee covers the management of the renewal process, coordination with IP Australia, and confirmation of renewal. Total costs depend on the number of classes and any professional fees applicable to your account.

Can I renew my trademark early?

Yes. In Australia and most jurisdictions, a trademark renewal can be filed up to 12 months before the renewal due date. Filing early is generally advisable to avoid any risk of missing the deadline due to administrative delays.

What if my trademark has already expired?

If your trademark has lapsed but is still within the grace period (usually 6 months after expiry), a late renewal can typically be filed with a surcharge. If the grace period has expired, a fresh application may need to be filed, subject to availability of the mark. Contact ipRenewal urgently if you believe your trademark may have lapsed.

Does ipRenewal handle trademark renewal in all countries?

ipRenewal manages trademark renewals in Australia, the UK, the EU, the US, and a wide range of other jurisdictions. Contact us to confirm coverage for your specific territories.