Mindful Management of Marks and Money (Or, Spring Cleaning: Do You Really Need to Renew That Trademark Registration?)

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This post is for those who gain pleasure from tidying up.  It’s springtime here in DC, so let’s roll up our sleeves and declutter!  Your trademark portfolio, that is.  You’ll gain a sense of accomplishment AND you can humble-brag about your magical money-saving skills.

U.S. law requires trademark registrants to prove that they’re still using their marks at certain points in time after the registrations’ issuance.  Few other countries impose such requirements, though – in many cases, all you have to do is pay a renewal fee.  We’ve therefore seen some brand owners fall into an “autopilot” mode of renewing most every non-U.S. registration, without pausing to consider whether each registration still has value.  The costs of that approach add up!  Keep in mind that in many jurisdictions, 3 or 5 years’ non-use of a mark will expose a registration to cancellation – do you really need to renew a registration that won’t hold up under scrutiny?

To avoid the auto renewal trap, I propose that you spend a mindful moment with each mark.  Here’s how.  In a past post, I suggested producing and reviewing a spreadsheet that lists your active registrations and applications in alphabetical order by country, then by mark.  In addition to helping you detect patterns and spotting anomalies and gaps in coverage, this exercise will help you spot trademark registrations that you can refrain from renewing.  While you review your spreadsheet, consider the following:

1. Look at each brand and logo.  If a brand doesn’t ring a bell, or a logo looks outdated, explore whether it is no longer in use.  One less renewal fee to pay – ka-ching!

2. Check filing dates.  Although we are tickled pink by brands that have been on the register since the FDR administration, sometimes an old filing date signals that you should look into whether the brand is still in use.

3. Class coverage.  If some product or service lines have been discontinued, look into whether you can save money by refraining from renewing certain classes in the registration.

4. Seniority claims.  Do you have national registrations in EU member countries that overlap with your later-acquired EU registrations?  Explore adding seniority claims to your EU registrations (and take a look at this post on seniority claims while you ponder the pros and cons).

I bet you’ll find at least one registration you can allow to lapse.  And then you can devote those funds to… filing applications for new brands that will bring you joy!  (You knew I would say that, right?)

The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.

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About the Author: Jennifer Dean

Jennifer Dean is a leading trademark lawyer who helps companies establish, protect and promote their brands in the United States and globally. Clients entrust her with intellectual property portfolios comprising thousands of trademark applications and registrations, relying on Jennifer’s extensive experience navigating the intricacies of international brand management. Her knowledge of clients’ industries and careful monitoring of the marketplace enables her to act swiftly to avert competitors’ efforts to launch confusingly similar brands.

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