UK trademarks expire after 10 years. Miss the renewal deadline by even 1 day and competitors can file for your name. The UK IPO sends no reminders - here's how to set up a system that never forgets.
Renewal Timeline
Renew at 10-year mark. Can file up to 6 months before expiry. £200 fee (£50 per additional class).
No Official Reminders
UK IPO doesn't send renewal notices. Your responsibility to track. Set calendar alerts for year 9.
6-Month Grace Period
Can renew up to 6 months after expiry, but with £50 late fee. After that, trademark dies permanently.
Restoration Not Available
Unlike Companies House, UK IPO has no restoration process. Miss deadline = lose trademark forever.
Use It or Lose It
Must prove genuine use in previous 5 years. Unused marks can be canceled even if renewed.
Calendar System
Add renewal date to Outlook/Google Calendar. Set alerts at 9 years, 9.5 years, and expiry date. Forward to multiple people.
Warning: Trademark monitoring services often include renewal reminders, but verify they actually track YOUR marks, not just new applications.
Generic Names Can't Be Trademarked
If you want legal protection and a name competitors can't copy, make it distinctive from day one. Only distinctive marks are worth renewing.