[Direct answer]Yes. The validity period of a registered trademark is ten years. If you want to continue using it after the expiration, you should handle the renewal within twelve months before the expiration. If you don't have time, there is a six-month grace period, but you will be charged a late fee. If you don't renew during the grace period, the trademark will be cancelled, and the brand logo will be exposed to the public. The goodwill accumulated over the years may be registered and harvested by others at any time. There is no limit to the number of renewals. Each renewal will extend the validity period by ten years. In fact, an old trademark becomes a more valuable asset the more it is used.

I. Problem background and typical scenarios

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye since the trademark registration. Companies are busy expanding their business and forget to renew it; or the company is restructured, and the contact person changes, but the renewal notice is ignored, and the grace period passes unnoticed. By the time they realize it, the trademark has been cancelled, and even professional trademark squatters have targeted it—renewal is the simplest and most urgent task in trademark management.

II. Key points of contention

First, the calculation rules for the renewal period and the grace period. Second, the consequences of failing to handle the renewal on time. Third, common rejection situations during the renewal process. Fourth, how to establish a trademark asset management mechanism.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

First, accurate memorization of time rules: According to Articles 39 and 40 of the Trademark Law, the validity period of a registered trademark is ten years, calculated from the date of approval for registration; renewal should be handled within twelve months before the expiration date. If it cannot be handled within this period, a six-month grace period will be granted, and a late fee will be charged during the grace period; if renewal is still not completed after the grace period expires, the Trademark Office will cancel the registration of the trademark and announce it—after the cancellation date, the exclusive right to use the trademark will be completely extinguished, with no remedial procedures. Only by reapplying and assuming the risk of being preempted by others can the exclusive right to use the trademark be restored. Specific rules are subject to the currently effective provisions. Second, the chain of consequences of late renewal: After cancellation, if others submit applications for identical or similar trademarks, the one-year isolation period stipulated in Article 50 of the Trademark Law can prevent the most direct preemptive registration (identical or similar applications will not be approved within one year from the date of cancellation), but after one year, all channels will be open. Even if the renewal application is successful, your prior use will no longer be protected by the exclusive right to use the trademark during the intervening period, and the cost of others taking advantage of the situation will increase dramatically. For well-known brands, the cost of disrupted reputation far exceeds the renewal fee by hundreds of times—in a trademark infringement case handled by Liu Yuanyuan, a lawyer from Henglue Law Firm, the right trademark was recognized as a well-known trademark after years of use, and the infringer was sued for compensation. The court ultimately supported the trademark infringement determination and awarded compensation. The accumulation of trademark validity period is precisely the core material for reputation recognition. Only by ensuring continuous renewal can reputation accumulate and form a moat. This case was handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Liu YuanyuanThe attorney (practice license number: 11101202011201094, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative authority) acts as the agent. At the third level, common technical issues in renewal: if the registrant fails to timely handle the change registration after the name or address change, the renewal documents may be required to be corrected if they do not match the registered information, and any delay may result in missing the deadline; if the renewal is handled by a proxy agency, ensure that its delivery and reminder mechanisms are effective; if the trademark has been subject to transfer, pledge, or other rights encumbrances, clarify the ownership status before renewal. At the fourth level, integrate renewal into asset management: establish a trademark inventory (registration number, exclusive right term, renewal milestones, designated product coverage); set an early warning line of 14-18 months before expiration; proactively register defensive trademarks for important trademarks; and centrally manage the renewal batches of multi-category core trademarks to avoid fragmented and missed management—almost all uncontrolled trademark management begins with the lack of an inventory system.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to check the validity period and renewal status of all registered trademarks. The second step is to handle the change of the registered address before renewing. The third step is to submit the renewal application as early as possible within twelve months before the expiration date. The fourth step is to urgently complete the renewal formalities and simultaneously evaluate the filing plan for a new application if it has entered the grace period. The main legal basis: Articles 39, 40, and 50 of the Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China, and the relevant provisions of the Implementing Regulations of the Trademark Law on renewal procedures; the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective regulations.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Advice

Three key points about trademark renewal: Renew within twelve months before the expiration date; a six-month grace period to cover oversights; no remedy if missed; after cancellation, only a one-year isolation period prevents others from registering the trademark; during the vacant period, the brand reputation is left unprotected; combine record-keeping, early warning, and agent confirmation to turn trademark renewal into a systematic process rather than just a memory. For issues related to trademark renewal and brand protection, you can consult us via the following channels:Intellectual property protection and corporate lawFor a comprehensive solution to the service, those interested in trademark protection litigation can refer to it for reference.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesFor the disposal of enterprise trademark assets, it is recommended to combine the following aspects:Special servicesFor those interested in cross-border trademark layout, you can check out this column for more information\nFinancial capital and cross-border transactions involving foreign entitiesThe team's experience can be consulted for other commercial disputesCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will the renewal during the grace period be rejected?

The application will not be rejected solely because of the extension period itself. It can be approved as long as it is submitted normally, but a late fee will be charged, and the continuity of rights will not be affected.

Q2: What materials do I need to prepare?

The application for renewal of registration, the certificate of the principal's qualifications, the power of attorney, and the change certificate for the registration information if there are any changes.

Q3: How much is the renewal fee?

The official fees are charged per item, and a late fee will be added during the grace period. The agency service fees are negotiated based on the number and category of trademarks, which are much lower than the risk cost of re-registration.

Q4: How long does it take to handle the renewal process?

After the submission, the application is usually approved and announced within a few months. The renewal period starts from the day after the expiration of the original validity period, and the rights will not be interrupted during this period.

Q5: What's the first step to take if you find that your trademark has expired?

First, confirm whether you are still within the grace period. If so, proceed to renew the registration immediately. If not, evaluate the feasibility of reapplying within the one-year isolation period and retain evidence of use.

The above Q&A is mainly based on the judicial practice in Beijing. There may be differences in the adjudication opinions in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Intellectual property protection legal services·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on current effective laws and regulations and public adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. In case of disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.