Everything You Need to Know About Trademark Renewal
Your trademark is registered. The certificate is on your wall. Your brand is protected. But protection is not permanent. it lasts 10 years, and then you must renew it.
Trademark renewal is one of the most critical maintenance tasks for any business owner, yet it is also one of the most overlooked. Missing a renewal deadline means losing all the legal protection you worked hard to obtain.
This guide covers everything about trademark renewal: when to renew, how much it costs, how to file, what happens if you miss the deadline, and how to stay on top of it.
The Trademark Renewal Timeline
When Is Your Trademark Renewal Due?
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of application. You can renew it for successive periods of 10 years indefinitely.
Example: If your trademark was filed on January 15, 2020, it expires on January 15, 2030. You can start renewing it from July 15, 2029 (6 months before expiry).
The Renewal Window
You have three windows to renew:
| Window | Time Period | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Advance renewal | 6 months before expiry | Normal fee, recommended |
| Grace period | 6 months after expiry | Surcharge applicable |
| Post-grace period | After grace period expires | Trademark is removed from the register |
Advance Renewal (Recommended):
- Start 6 months before expiry
- Pay normal renewal fee
- No risk of missing the deadline
- Recommended approach
Grace Period Renewal:
- 6-month window after expiry
- Additional surcharge of INR 2,500 (individual) or INR 5,000 (company)
- Trademark is still protected during this period
- Last chance to renew without re-applying
After Grace Period:
- Trademark is removed from the register
- You lose all legal protection
- Anyone can register a similar mark
- You would need to file a fresh application
Trademark Renewal Fees
Government Renewal Fees
| Applicant Type | Standard Renewal Fee | Late Renewal (Grace Period) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Proprietor | INR 5,000 | INR 7,500 (INR 5,000 + INR 2,500 surcharge) |
| Startup / MSME | INR 5,000 | INR 7,500 |
| Company / LLP | INR 10,000 | INR 15,000 (INR 10,000 + INR 5,000 surcharge) |
| Foreign Applicant | INR 10,000 | INR 15,000 |
Per class: Fees apply per class. If your trademark is registered in 3 classes, you pay the fee for each class.
Professional Fees (If Using an Attorney)
| Service | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Simple renewal (advance, no complications) | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Standard renewal assistance | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Late renewal (grace period) | 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Restoration after removal | 5,000 – 15,000 |
Total estimated cost:
- Advance renewal with attorney: INR 6,500 – 10,000 (individual, single class)
- Grace period renewal with attorney: INR 10,500 – 15,000 (individual, single class)
How to Renew Your Trademark Online
Step 1: Gather Required Information
Before starting the renewal process, make sure you have:
- Trademark registration number
- Registration certificate details
- Current applicant details (name, address)
- Class details
- Digital Signature Certificate (for companies)
- Payment method
Step 2: Create/Log In to IP India Account
- Visit ipindia.nic.in
- Click “e-Filing”
- Log in or create a new account
Step 3: Select Renewal Application
- From the dashboard, select “TM-R” Application for Renewal of Trademark
- Enter your trademark registration number
- The system will auto-fill your trademark details
Step 4: Verify and Update Details
Review the auto-filled information:
- Applicant name and address
- Trademark details
- Class number(s)
- Registration date and expiry date
Update any details that have changed (e.g., address change, company name change).
Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fee
- Review the fee amount
- Proceed to payment
- Select payment method (credit card, debit card, net banking)
- Complete the payment
Step 6: Download Renewal Receipt
After successful payment:
- Download the renewal acknowledgment
- Save it securely
- You will receive the renewed registration certificate by email/post within 2-4 weeks
Required Documents for Renewal
| Document | Required? |
|---|---|
| Trademark registration certificate copy | Yes |
| Current address proof | Yes |
| Application form (TM-R) | Auto-generated online |
| Power of Attorney (if filing through attorney) | Yes (if applicable) |
| Address change documents (if applicable) | If address has changed |
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline
Scenario 1: You Renew During the Grace Period (6 Months After Expiry)
You can still renew, but you must pay the surcharge:
- Individual: INR 7,500 per class (INR 5,000 + INR 2,500)
- Company: INR 15,000 per class (INR 10,000 + INR 5,000)
Your trademark remains protected during the grace period. Act quickly to avoid losing it entirely.
Scenario 2: You Miss the Grace Period
If you miss both the advance renewal window and the grace period:
- Your trademark is removed from the register
- You lose all legal protection
- Anyone can register a similar mark in your class
- You must file a fresh application as a new trademark
Consequences of missing the deadline:
- Loss of legal protection
- Competitors can register your brand name
- You need to start the entire registration process again (18-24 months)
- All brand recognition and goodwill associated with the registered mark is lost
Restoration After Removal
In some cases, you can apply for restoration of a removed trademark:
- File a restoration application (Form TM-13)
- Pay the restoration fee
- Provide a valid reason for non-renewal
- The Registry may restore the mark at its discretion
Restoration fee: INR 5,000 – 10,000 (individual to company) per class Success rate: Not guaranteed, depends on circumstances
Trademark Renewal Checklist
Use this checklist to stay on top of renewals:
6 Months Before Expiry
- Calendar reminder set
- Trademark details verified (registration number, class, address)
- Budget allocated for renewal fees
- Decision made: renew yourself or hire attorney
- Online account active on IP India portal
3 Months Before Expiry
- Renewal application prepared
- Documents ready
- Payment arranged
At Expiry Date
- Renewal filed
- Receipt downloaded and saved
- Renewal confirmation received
After Renewal
- Renewed certificate received
- New expiry date noted and calendar entry created for 10 years later
- All branding materials updated (if needed)
Managing Multiple Trademark Renewals
If you hold multiple trademarks, tracking renewal dates is critical:
Create a Trademark Portfolio Tracker
| Trademark Name | Registration Number | Class | Filing Date | Expiry Date | Renewal Due | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrandName Alpha | TM-123456 | Class 9, 42 | 15-Jan-2020 | 15-Jan-2030 | Jul-2029 | Active |
| BrandName Beta | TM-789012 | Class 25 | 10-Mar-2021 | 10-Mar-2031 | Sep-2030 | Active |
| BrandName Gamma | TM-345678 | Class 30 | 22-Jun-2019 | 22-Jun-2029 | Dec-2028 | Active |
Set Up Reminders
- 18 months before expiry: Begin the renewal process
- 12 months before expiry: File the renewal application
- 6 months before expiry: Final reminder, application must be filed now
- At expiry date: Confirm renewal is complete
Use Calendar Reminders
Set up recurring calendar events:
- Yearly review of all trademark portfolio
- 6-month advance reminder for each trademark
- 3-month advance reminder for each trademark
Trademark Renewal vs New Application: Key Differences
| Feature | Renewal | New Application |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | INR 5,000-10,000 | INR 4,500-9,000 |
| Timeline | 1-2 months | 18-24 months |
| Risk of rejection | Very low | Moderate |
| Protection continuity | Seamless | Gap in protection |
| Examination process | None | Full examination |
| Publication | No | Yes |
Always renew instead of re-applying. Renewal is cheaper, faster, and maintains continuous protection without any gap.
FAQs
Yes. You can start the renewal process 6 months before the expiry date. This is actually the recommended approach.
Trademarks that are not used for 5 consecutive years can be removed from the register on a trademark rectification application. If you are still using your trademark, renewal is the right path.
Yes. You can choose to renew only the classes you are actively using. This reduces your renewal cost.
You can update your details during the renewal process. You may also need to file a separate form for address/name change.
Yes, if you want to maintain your trademark protection. Without renewal, your trademark is removed from the register and you lose all legal rights to it.
Yes. Trademark registration can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods, as long as you continue using the mark in commerce.
Trademark registration number, current address proof, and the TM-R application form. If filing through an attorney, a Power of Attorney is also needed.
No. Unlike the initial registration, renewal applications are not published in the Trade Marks Journal and cannot be opposed by third parties.
Protect What You Built
Trademark renewal seems like a simple administrative task, but missing the deadline can be catastrophic. Your trademark is one of your most valuable business assets, do not let it lapse due to a missed calendar date.
At LexLegalizer, we offer trademark portfolio management services that include:
- Complete renewal tracking
- Advance notifications before every renewal date
- Online filing on your behalf
- Portfolio management dashboard
