In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, your brand is one of your most valuable assets—and a registered trademark serves as the legal foundation that protects it. It not only sets your products or services apart from competitors but also builds trust and recognition among consumers. However, trademark protection isn't indefinite unless actively maintained. To continue enjoying the exclusive rights and legal safeguards associated with your trademark, it’s essential to renew it on time, typically every ten years in India. Failing to do so can result in the removal of your mark from the Trademark Register, leaving your brand vulnerable to misuse and infringement. Whether you’re a startup founder protecting a new idea or an established business maintaining a long-standing brand identity, staying on top of the trademark renewal process is crucial for long-term success. At AxurTax, we simplify trademark renewal with expert support and a streamlined process—ensuring your brand remains legally protected, relevant, and exclusively yours without interruption.
🏷️ What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a unique symbol, word, logo, phrase, design, or combination of these elements that identifies and differentiates your goods or services from those of others. It helps customers recognize the source and reputation behind the product or service they are choosing.
Think of iconic logos like ✔️ Nike’s swoosh or 🍔 McDonald’s golden arches — these are trademarks that hold immense brand value.
🔁 What is Trademark Renewal?
Once your trademark is registered in India, it’s valid for 10 years from the date of registration. To continue enjoying the exclusive rights and legal protection, you must renew the trademark every decade.
Here’s what you need to know:
- ⏳ The Registrar of Trademarks offers a 6-month grace period before the expiry date to initiate the renewal process.
- 🗞️ If you miss this window, the trademark may be removed from the register and published in the Trademark Journal as removed.
- 💼 You can also restore a lapsed trademark within a year of expiry by paying additional penalties.
📜 Legal Provision for Renewal (Section 25 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999)
As per Section 25 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999:
- A trademark can be renewed for another 10 years after the current registration expires.
- To do so, the trademark owner must file a renewal application (Form TM-R) along with the required fee.
- If not renewed within the specified time, the trademark will be removed from the register.
🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Renew?
If a trademark isn't renewed on time:
- ⚠️ The Registrar will notify the owner of the approaching expiry.
- ❌ If there’s no response, the trademark will be struck off the register.
- 🕕 There’s still hope — within 6 months after expiry, you can apply for renewal with an extra surcharge.
- 🔄 If that window is missed too, a restoration application can be filed within 1 year from expiry, subject to the Registrar’s approval.
✅ Benefits of Trademark Renewal
Renewing your trademark brings a host of advantages:
- 🛡️ Continued Legal Protection: Prevents others from using your brand without permission.
- ⚖️ Right to Sue for Infringement: Enforces your rights and claim damages if someone misuses your mark.
- 🔁 Transferability: A renewed trademark can be sold or assigned to another party.
- 💰 Monetization via Licensing: You can license your trademark for use, creating new revenue streams.
- 🔐 Exclusive Rights: Secures your brand’s unique identity in the market.
- 🏷️ Brand Recognition: Ensures customers continue to trust and associate with your brand.
🛠️ Methods of Trademark Renewal
You can choose between two renewal options:
1. 🖋️ Renewal with Modifications
- Update or change existing elements (e.g., logo, wordmark).
2. 🧾 Renewal without Modifications
- Extend the trademark’s validity as-is, with no design or text changes.
♻️ Restoring a Lapsed Trademark
Missed the renewal deadline? Don't worry. You still have a chance to restore your trademark:
- 📅 Apply for restoration within 1 year of expiry.
- 💸 You’ll need to pay a restoration fee and a penalty.
- 🧾 If accepted, your trademark is reinstated and extended for another 10 years.
📅 Trademark Renewal Deadlines
Timing is crucial. Here's what to remember:
- 🕒 File the renewal application anytime within 1 year before the trademark expires.
- 🚨 A grace period of 6 months is provided post-expiry (with surcharge).
- ❌ If not renewed within this window, the trademark will be revoked.
- 🔄 Restoration can be applied for within 6 months of cancellation.
📋 Documents Required for Trademark Renewal
When renewing your trademark online, you’ll need the following documents:
- 📑 Certificate of Trademark Registration
- 📝 Copy of TM-A Form used during original registration
- 🪪 ID & Address Proof of the applicant
- 📄 Power of Attorney, if someone is applying on your behalf
🖥️ Online Trademark Renewal Procedure in India
Renewing a trademark online is a systematic and legally guided process. Here's how it works:
- ✅ Step 1: Filing the Application
- Submit Form TM-R with all required details:
- Registration number
- Trademark status
- Applicant’s info
- 🔍 Step 2: Review by Registry
- The Registry checks for:
- Validity of the trademark
- Compliance with renewal terms
- If issues arise, they will be communicated for clarification.
- 📢 Step 3: Publication in Trademark Journal
- The renewal is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months.
- Third parties may file objections during this time.
- If objections are raised, hearings or additional clarifications may be required.
- 📜 Step 4: Issuance of Renewal Certificate
- Once everything is cleared, you’ll receive a Trademark Renewal Certificate valid for 10 more years.
🤝 Why Choose AxurTax for Trademark Renewal?
At AxurTax, we make trademark renewal quick, easy, and stress-free. Here’s why businesses across India trust us:
- 🧑⚖️ Expert Guidance: Our legal team ensures complete compliance with trademark laws.
- 📝 Flawless Documentation: We handle paperwork, verification, and application drafting with precision.
- 📤 On-Time Submissions: We file applications promptly to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 💼 Full Support: From start to finish, we manage the entire renewal process for you.
🚀 Let AxurTax Protect Your Brand’s Future
Don't risk losing the brand you’ve worked hard to build. Timely trademark renewal is your shield against copycats and legal disputes.
✅ Renew with confidence. Renew with AxurTax.
📞 Contact us today to begin your trademark renewal process and safeguard your brand's legacy.