Registering a trademark in the UK grants you exclusive rights for a fixed 10-year term. To keep that protection in force, you must renew your registration every decade. Below is a breakdown of key timeframes and renewal steps you should be aware of.
1. Initial Protection Period
Your UK trademark is valid for 10 years from the date the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) registers it. During this period, you alone may use the ® symbol and enforce your rights against infringers.
2. Renewing Your Trademark
- Renewal Window
You can apply to renew your registration up to six months before the expiry date and up to six months after it falls due. - Renewal Fee
A standard renewal carries the official fee (check the IPO website for current rates). - Indefinite Renewals
As long as you pay each renewal fee on time, you can extend protection in perpetuity, in further 10-year blocks.
3. Late Renewal Grace Period
If you miss the expiry date, you still have a six-month grace period in which to renew:
- You must pay the late-renewal surcharge in addition to the basic fee.
- Failing to renew within this window causes your mark to lapse.
4. Restoration After Lapse
After the six-month late-renewal window closes, there’s a further six months (i.e. up to 12 months post-expiry) during which you may apply to restore your trademark:
- Restoration applications incur the standard fee plus any additional reinstatement charges.
- You must show you had a “continuing intention to use” the mark in commerce to justify restoration.
5. Practical Tips
- Diary Alerts: Set reminders six months before each tenth anniversary and at the actual expiry date.
- Budgeting: Include renewal and potential late fees in your IP budget to avoid unexpected costs.
- Professional Help: Consider engaging an IP attorney or a renewal service to track deadlines and handle paperwork.
By understanding these deadlines and planning ahead, you’ll safeguard your UK trademark, preserving your brand’s exclusivity and preventing unintended lapses.
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