A trademark is an important asset of an enterprise in market competition, but its rights and interests are limited in duration. Generally speaking, a trademark is valid for 10 years. During this 10-year protection period, trademark registrants enjoy the protection of the law against infringement of their trademarks by others. However, once the trademark expires, this protection lapses and other businesses can legally use the trademark.
In order to ensure the validity of a trademark, we need to check the validity period of the trademark on a regular basis. The process is very simple, just visit the official ** of the State Intellectual Property Office, click on "Trademark Search" and enter the trademark name and registration number to get the validity period information of the trademark.
If it is found that the trademark is about to expire or has expired, corresponding measures should be taken according to the specific circumstances. Here are two possible scenarios and how to deal with them:
If the trademark still has commercial value, it is advisable to apply for a trademark renewal within one year before the expiration of the trademark. By filing the corresponding application with the State Intellectual Property Office and paying the renewal fee, the protection period of the trademark can be extended and the trademark rights and interests can be ensured.
If the trademark has lost its commercial value, consider canceling the trademark within one year of the expiration of the trademark. Doing so can avoid others from preemptively registering the trademark, reducing possible legal risks and losses.
In order to effectively protect trademark rights and interests, it is recommended to pay more attention to the status of the trademark in normal times and take timely action when necessary. This includes checking the expiration date of the trademark on a regular basis, being mindful of the use of the trademark, and guarding against infringement by others. Timely renewal or cancellation measures are an important part of protecting trademark rights and interests and help prevent unnecessary legal disputes.
In short, trademark management is a part of business operations that cannot be ignored. With an in-depth understanding of the validity period of trademarks and relevant regulations, enterprises can better protect their intellectual property rights and enhance their market competitiveness. We hope that this detailed guide will help you better understand and manage your trademark rights and ensure that you stay ahead of the competition.
Trademark Registration