A trademark is not just a symbol or a name; it is the identity of your brand. But do you know what happens when its validity ends? This is where Trademark Renewal comes into play. In India, a trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of registration. After that period, you must renew it to continue enjoying protection under the law.
Why Trademark Renewal is Important
Trademark renewal ensures your brand identity remains legally secure. Without renewal, you risk losing the exclusive rights that protect your business. Here are the key benefits:
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✅ Maintains brand ownership rights
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✅ Prevents misuse or infringement by competitors
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✅ Adds long-term value to your brand identity
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✅ Keeps legal protection active for business expansion
When Should You Renew a Trademark?
You must apply for trademark renewal within 6 months before the expiry date. If you miss this deadline, you still get a grace period of 6 months after expiry, but with an additional late fee. If you fail to renew even after this, the trademark may be removed from the register.
How to Renew a Trademark in India
The renewal process is straightforward but must be done carefully:
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File Form TM-R with the trademark office.
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Pay the renewal fees as per government rules.
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Choose between:
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Renewal with changes → If you want to update your trademark.
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Renewal without changes → If no modifications are required.
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Receive confirmation of renewal for another 10 years.
Table: Trademark Renewal Process at a Glance
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity Period | 10 years |
| Renewal Window | 6 months before expiry |
| Late Renewal Grace Period | 6 months after expiry (with penalty) |
| Form Required | TM-R |
| Renewal Duration | Extends protection for another 10 years |
What if You Miss Renewal?
If you do not renew your trademark:
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❌ It can be removed from the official register.
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❌ Competitors may register a similar mark.
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❌ You lose legal rights to sue for infringement.
However, you may still apply for restoration of a trademark within 1 year from expiry by paying additional fees.
Conclusion
So, what is trademark renewal? It is the process of extending the validity of your registered trademark beyond 10 years. Renewing on time keeps your brand identity legally protected and prevents competitors from misusing it.
👉 To stay compliant and avoid penalties, always track your trademark renewal dates.