The 10‑Year Renewal: Keeping Your Trademark for the Long Haul

You’ve successfully registered your trademark and kept it active through the 5-year check-in. But if you want to maintain that protection long-term, you need to plan for the 10-year renewal.

Trademark protection isn’t permanent unless you renew it. Here’s how to keep your rights alive—and your brand protected—for decades to come.

What’s Due at the 10-Year Mark?

Between years 9 and 10 after your registration date, you must file two key documents:

• Section 8 Declaration of Continued Use – confirms that you’re still using the trademark in commerce
• Section 9 Renewal Application – formally renews the federal registration for another 10-year term

These two filings go together—and both are required to avoid cancellation.

What You’ll Need to Submit

To renew your trademark, you’ll need:

• A signed statement that your trademark is still in use
• A specimen showing the current use of your trademark
• Government fees (typically $525 per class)

If your trademark is no longer used for certain goods or services, you must delete those to avoid filing false statements.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If you don’t file by the end of the 10th year, you still have a 6-month grace period—but you’ll need to pay an additional fee. After that window, your trademark will be canceled.

If that happens, you lose your federal protection and would have to start the application process all over again—with no guarantee of success.

Can You Renew More Than Once?

Yes. You can renew your federal trademark registration every 10 years, indefinitely, as long as the mark remains in use and you meet the filing deadlines.

Many of the most recognized trademarks in the world have been renewed this way for decades.

Final Thoughts

Your trademark is a long-term investment—and it’s worth preserving. Don’t risk losing protection by missing a deadline.

If you're approaching the 10-year mark or aren’t sure what to file, a trademark attorney can ensure everything is submitted accurately and on time—so your rights stay secure.

Make your mark—Tampa’s trademark attorney protects it.