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How long does a trademark last, and what does it protect me from?

Founder & Trademark Attorney

A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year increments. In the US, a Declaration of Use must also be filed between the 5th and 6th year after registration to confirm the mark remains in active commercial use.

A registered trademark serves to protect your brand name, logo, or slogan from infringement and misuse. It gives you exclusive rights to commercially use it in connection with the registered goods and services listed in your trademark file. When infringement does happen, it provides legal grounds to prevent competitors from using identical or confusingly similar marks in the same market, to oppose similar trademark applications, to send cease and desist letters, and to pursue legal action, including damages.

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