In today’s competitive business world, a trademark is one of the most valuable assets a company owns, representing its identity and reputation in the market. However, many trademark owners wonder: How long does trademark protection last? And how can it be renewed before expiration?
In this article, we will explore in detail the trademark protection period, renewal requirements, and practical steps to ensure continuous legal protection for your trademark. We will also examine real-world examples of major companies that faced challenges in renewing their trademarks and how they handled them.
The validity period of a trademark varies from country to country but typically ranges from 10 to 20 years, renewable. In most countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the protection period is 10 years from the filing date, while in others like the United States, it lasts 10 years with the possibility of extension.
| Country | Standard Protection Period | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 10 years | Yes, every 10 years |
| Saudi Arabia | 10 years | Yes, every 10 years |
| UAE | 10 years | Yes, every 10 years |
| United States | 10 years | Yes, every 10 years |
| China | 10 years | Yes, every 10 years |
| European Union | 10 years | Yes, every 10 years |
Yes, a trademark may lose its protection if:
It has not been used in the market for 3 to 5 years (depending on local laws).
It is not renewed on time.
The owner abandons it.
In 2017, Adidas lost protection for its famous “Three Stripes” trademark in the European Union due to insufficient use on certain products. This highlights the importance of actively using a trademark to maintain its protection.
Q: Can a trademark be renewed indefinitely?
A: Yes, in most countries, a trademark can be renewed every 10 years without limit, provided legal requirements are met.
Q: What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
A: Some countries grant a grace period (usually 6 months) with late fees, but after that, the trademark may lose protection, allowing others to register it.
In the next part, we will discuss how to renew a trademark before its expiration, with detailed steps to ensure no loss of legal protection.
(To be continued…)
This is the first part of the article, focusing on the duration of trademark protection, with an illustrative table and real-world examples. The upcoming parts will cover renewal procedures, costs, tips to avoid legal issues, and success stories of major trademarks.
Do you have any questions about trademark protection or trademark renewal? Leave them in the comments, and we’ll answer them in the next parts!
After learning about the duration of trademark protection and its importance in Part One, the most pressing question arises: How can you renew a trademark before it expires?
In this section, we will explore in detail the practical steps for trademark renewal, required documents, and renewal costs in select Arab and international jurisdictions. We will also highlight examples of companies that successfully maintained their trademarks through periodic renewals.
The timeframe for renewal varies by country, but generally:
It’s best to start 6 months before expiration to avoid unexpected delays.
Some countries grant a grace period of up to 6 months after expiration but impose late fees.
| Country | Renewal Deadline | Grace Period | Late Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Before expiration | 6 months | +50% of fees |
| Saudi Arabia | 3 months before expiration | 3 months | 1,000 SAR |
| UAE | 6 months before expiration | 1 month | 1,000 AED |
| United States | 6 months before expiration | 6 months | $100 |
Check your trademark certificate or contact the local trademark office (e.g., Egyptian Patent Office or Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property) to confirm the expiration date.
Typically includes:
Trademark renewal application (official form).
Copy of the original registration certificate.
Proof of use (e.g., invoices, advertisements).
Payment of renewal fees.
You can submit:
Online via official trademark office portals.
In-person at the relevant authority’s office.
After review, the authority issues a renewed trademark certificate, extending protection for another 10 years.
If you exceed the grace period:
The trademark loses legal protection.
Another party may register it.
You may need costly litigation to reclaim it.
In 2019, McDonald’s temporarily lost exclusive rights to the “Big Mac” trademark in the EU due to delayed renewal, allowing a competitor to exploit the name. After a lengthy legal battle, McDonald’s regained its rights—but at a high cost.
Q: Can a trademark be renewed if the company’s business has changed?
A: Yes, but you may need to modify registration classes if the new business differs from the original filing.
Q: What is the renewal cost in Saudi Arabia?
A: The base fee is 3,000 SAR, with a 1,000 SAR late fee if delayed.
Q: Can a law firm handle the renewal on my behalf?
A: Yes, it’s advisable to work with IP-specialized firms to ensure accuracy.
In Part Three, we will discuss tips for successful trademark renewal and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to application rejection.
Is your trademark nearing expiration? Share your experience or questions in the comments!
Following our detailed exploration of the trademark renewal process in Part Two, we now focus on strategies for successful renewal and how to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your trademark protection. This section provides actionable advice to ensure your intellectual property remains secure.
Implement multiple reminder systems 12 months before expiration
Consider using:
Dedicated IP management software
Calendar alerts with escalating urgency
External monitoring services
Critical pre-renewal verifications:
Owner contact information updates
Alignment between registered and actual business activities
Documentation of any licensing agreements
Prepare evidence of commercial use:
Sales invoices (last 3-5 years)
Marketing materials and packaging samples
Website screenshots and social media activity
Third-party certifications or awards
In 2020, Nike failed to prove adequate use of its “Air Jordan” mark in Mexico during the preceding 3-year period, resulting in:
Loss of trademark rights
Subsequent re-registration costs exceeding $250,000
18-month legal battle to partially restore rights
| Mistake | Potential Consequence | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Missing grace period | Complete loss of rights | Implement triple-verification reminder system |
| Incomplete fee payment | Processing delays | Pre-verify current fee structure with IP office |
| Owner information discrepancies | Additional corrective filings | Annual trademark portfolio audits |
| Insufficient use evidence | Renewal rejection | Maintain organized usage documentation |
If renewal timing is compromised:
Immediately determine remaining grace period (varies by jurisdiction)
Submit renewal with penalty payment without delay
Prepare justification documentation for late submission
Consider simultaneous new application as backup
After a 4-month renewal delay in 2012, Apple successfully reinstated its “iPhone” trademark by:
Presenting comprehensive usage documentation
Providing certified translation delay evidence
Paying 200% premium fees
Demonstrating market confusion risks
Q: Our company name changed after initial registration. How does this affect renewal?
A: You must first file a recordal of change with supporting business registry documents before renewal processing.
Q: Can we renew a Madrid System international registration locally?
A: Yes, but requires coordination with WIPO and may involve country-specific procedures. Many jurisdictions now allow direct renewal through local IP offices.
Q: What if our current business activities exceed original registration classes?
A: You must either:
File new applications for additional classes
Narrow renewal to originally registered classes
Consider filing a new comprehensive application
In Part Four, we’ll analyze detailed cost breakdowns for trademark renewal across key jurisdictions, with smart budgeting strategies for businesses of all sizes.
Have you encountered unexpected renewal complications? Share your experience to help others navigate similar challenges!
After examining the procedural aspects of trademark renewal, we now turn to a critical practical consideration: financial planning for trademark maintenance. This section provides a detailed breakdown of renewal costs across jurisdictions and reveals professional strategies for optimizing your intellectual property budget.
Cost components typically include:
Official government fees
Legal representation charges (if using IP firms)
Translation costs (for foreign marks)
| Country | Base Official Fee | Late Penalty | Attorney Fees (Avg.) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 3,000 SAR | 1,000 SAR | 2,000-5,000 SAR | 4-8 weeks |
| UAE | 5,000 AED | 1,000 AED | 3,000-6,000 AED | 6-10 weeks |
| Egypt | 2,500 EGP | 750 EGP | 1,500-4,000 EGP | 8-12 weeks |
| Morocco | 2,000 MAD | 500 MAD | 1,800-3,500 MAD | 10-14 weeks |
United States: $500-700 per class
European Union: €850 for three classes
China: ¥1,500-3,000 depending on classes
Each additional class increases costs by 40-60%
Example: Starbucks’ Saudi registration covers 7 classes (food, beverages, services etc.)
Contested marks: +50-200% in legal costs
Pending data updates: +25-30% in processing fees
Electronic filings offer 10-20% savings over paper
Bulk renewals (multiple marks) qualify for up to 35% discounts
Savings: Up to 60% of legal fees
Caution: Requires thorough understanding of procedures
Example: “Ahmad Abdullah Group” saved 28% by renewing 5 marks simultaneously
Many IP offices offer seasonal discounts during:
World IP Day (April 26)
National entrepreneurship events
Annual IP conferences
Achieved 40% cost reduction through:
Direct e-filing
Bundling 3 sub-brand renewals
Utilizing Saudi National Day promotional rates
Q: Are installment payments available for renewal fees?
A: Yes, in some jurisdictions like Egypt (max 3 installments) with 15% interest
Q: What are dangerous false economies in renewal?
A: Renewing in wrong classes to save fees often leads to future cancellation
Q: How to verify official fee accuracy?
A: Always cross-check with:
National IP office websites
Official government gazettes
Dedicated trademark helpdesks
In our final installment, we’ll explore inspiring case studies of century-old trademarks and extract timeless lessons for long-term brand protection.
Facing renewal in a specific country? Share your location for customized cost advice!
After our comprehensive journey through trademark renewal processes and cost structures, we conclude with powerful case studies of brands that have maintained their intellectual property rights for generations. These real-world examples offer invaluable insights for businesses aiming to protect their marks for decades to come.
Key to longevity: Flawless 10-year renewal cycle for over a century
Challenge overcome: Adapted to 7 different IP law regimes
Unique strategy: Family members personally oversee renewals as generational responsibility
Achievement: 11 successful renewals
Innovation: Digital archive of usage evidence since 1995
Cost efficiency: Saved 60% through 18-month early renewals
| Brand | Country | Founding Year | Renewals Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Aziziyah | KSA | 1908 | 12 |
| Chiclets | Lebanon | 1920 | 11 |
| Al-Baik | Palestine | 1935 | 9 |
| Omar Effendi | Egypt | 1856 | 16 |
Annual investment: $2M+ in global protection
Defense strategy: Preventive registration of phonetic/similar marks
2022 stats: Defeated 4,300 infringement attempts
Perfectionism: Renewals accompany even minor logo tweaks
Landmark victory: 2020 case against 120 Arab counterfeit sites
Quarterly documentation of all trademark uses
Three-tier reminders (12/6/3 months pre-expiry)
Budget allocation: 1.5% of brand value for renewals
Critical mistake: Relying on memory for deadlines
Tech solution: Adopt IP management systems like:
Anaqua (global)
IPzen (EU-focused)
Saudi’s “Sijil” system
Q: Can trademarks enter public domain through non-renewal?
A: Yes – as happened with “Aspirin” and “Cellophane”
Q: Most surprising cause of trademark loss?
A: 23% occur from unreported address changes
Q: How do protection strategies vary by industry?
A: Tech firms (e.g., Apple) renew with product launches, while FMCG (e.g., Almarai) focuses on sub-categories
As we enter the digital age, new challenges emerge:
3D trademarks (product shapes/packaging)
Sound marks (like Nokia’s ringtone)
Metaverse and NFT-related protections
Final Wisdom: Your trademark isn’t just a logo – it’s the vessel carrying your brand’s reputation and market value through time. Start building your protection system today, learn from others’ mistakes, and invest in legal security as you would in product development.
This concludes our series on trademark protection periods and renewal strategies. For personalized advice on your specific trademark situation, consult with intellectual property specialists.
We’d love to hear: What’s been your biggest trademark protection challenge, and how did you overcome it? Share your story below!
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
ContentsTrademark Protection Period and How to Renew Before ExpiryTrademark Protection PeriodPart One: What is the Duration of Trademark Protection?Table Showing Trademark Protection Periods in Select
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