Germany Trademark Renewal

In Germany, a trademark registration is valid for ten (10) years from the date of registration. Trademark owners must renew their registration every 10 years to maintain protection.

To ensure uninterrupted protection, trademark owners should renew their registration:

• Up to 6 months before the renewal deadline: Renewals can be processed early to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Within the six-month grace period after the deadline: If the renewal deadline is missed, a grace period is provided for late renewal. A late fee will apply.
• Failure to renew within this grace period will result in the cancellation of the trademark.

To renew a trademark in Germany, you must provide:

• The trademark registration number
• The applicant's details
• Payment of applicable renewal fees

Trademark renewals in Germany are handled by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt - DPMA). Germany does not require proof of use for standard renewal. However, maintaining active use of the mark is recommended to prevent challenges from third parties.

To avoid renewal issues, ensure your trademark records are current. This includes:

• Ownership changes: Notify the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) if ownership is transferred.
• Address or contact details: Keeping these updated ensures you receive important notifications.

Trademark owners can lose their rights by making these common mistakes:

• Missing the renewal deadline: Failure to renew within the grace period results in cancellation.
• Assuming reminders will be sent: While DPMA may issue reminders, it is ultimately the trademark owner's responsibility to track deadlines.
• Failing to update trademark details: Outdated ownership or address records may result in missed renewal notices.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your brand remains protected under German trademark law.

If you miss the deadline, you can still renew within the six-month grace period with an additional fee. Failure to renew within this period will result in the cancellation of your trademark.

Once a trademark is canceled due to non-renewal, it cannot be reinstated. You will need to file a new application with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), but there's no guarantee you will regain the rights to your original mark.

No, Germany does not require proof of use for standard renewals. However, trademarks that are not actively used may be vulnerable to cancellation actions filed by third parties.

You can renew your trademark up to 6 months before the renewal deadline.