EnglishTo maintain your U.S. trademark rights, filing a Trademark Section 8 Declaration is mandatory. At iGERENT, we help trademark owners around the world comply with USPTO Section 8 requirements on time, so your mark stays active, enforceable, and fully protected.
Filing a Section 8 Declaration of Use may sound complex, but we make it simple. Whether it’s your first filing between years 5 and 6, or part of your 10-year renewal, we handle everything for you.
Reach out through our contact form and one of our trademark experts will assess your case and explain the next steps clearly.
Our team evaluates your trademark details and advises whether you need to file Section 8, Section 15, or a combined renewal.
We’ll guide you on the required specimens (product labels, websites, etc.) and confirm all filing details with you.
We submit your declaration to the USPTO, handle all correspondence, and keep you updated until everything is completed.
Failure to file on time leads to cancellation,even if you’re still using your trademark in the U.S.
A valid Section 8 filing is necessary to keep your mark enforceable in disputes or infringement actions.
Filing Section 15 together with your Statement of Use limits future challenges and solidifies your exclusive rights.
Filing with the USPTO involves more than just filling out a form. At iGERENT, our trademark experts manage every step of the process to ensure accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind, so your rights remain fully protected.
We track your filing deadlines to ensure you never miss a critical date, even if you're within a grace period.
We help you select and prepare the correct evidence of use in commerce, based on USPTO rules.
From the Section 8 Declaration to Section 15 (Incontestability) or combined Section 8 & 9, we prepare and file the right documents.
If the USPTO issues an audit or requests clarification, our team will respond professionally and promptly to protect your rights.
Wondering when to file a Section 8 Declaration, what it requires, or what happens if you miss the deadline? Here are answers to the most common questions we receive from trademark owners, especially international clients managing U.S. trademarks. Still have doubts? Check our full Trademark FAQs or contact our team directly, we’re here to help.
First Filing: Between the 5th and 6th Year After Registration
You must file your first Declaration of Use between the 5th and 6th anniversary of your registration.
This is also your first opportunity to file a Declaration of Incontestability (Section 15) if eligible.
Renewal Filing: Every 10 Years
Starting with the 10th anniversary, and every 10 years after, you must file a combined Section 8 and Section 9 form:
Grace Period
A 6-month grace period is available after each deadline, but it requires an additional government fee.
To file a Declaration of Use, you’ll need:
If the mark is not in use, you must submit a declaration of excusable nonuse with details and intent to resume use.
If you don’t file the Declaration of Use on time:
The Declaration of Incontestability (Section 15) is an optional filing available after 5 years of continuous use of a trademark registered on the Principal Register.
You can file it at the same time as your first Declaration of Use (between years 5 and 6).
Filing for incontestability gives your trademark powerful legal advantages, including:
While optional, this is one of the most important steps to reinforce your trademark rights in the U.S.
At iGERENT, you’re not just another number in an automated system. Every case is handled by a dedicated trademark expert who follows your file from start to finish.
We specialize in assisting international trademark holders and understand the nuances of U.S. law. With us, you get:
Our goal is to give you peace of mind and ensure your trademark stays protected in the United States.
Still unsure? Read our client reviews or check our iGERENT FAQs to learn more about how we work.
