How To Renew a Trade Mark in the UK

If you’ve registered your brand name or logo, great - that’s one of the best ways to protect your business. But many owners don’t realise that your UK trade mark isn’t “set and forget”. You need to renew it to keep those rights alive.

In this guide, we’ll walk through when and how to renew a trade mark in the UK, the costs to budget for, what to check before you renew, and what to do if you’ve missed the deadline. We’ll also flag a few strategic moves that can strengthen your brand protection as you grow.

What Does It Mean To Renew A Trade Mark In The UK?

In the UK, registered trade marks last for a fixed period and then need to be renewed to stay on the register. Renewal keeps your exclusive rights to use your mark for the goods and services covered by your registration.

A few key points to set the scene:

• Renewal term: UK trade marks usually run for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed every 10 years, indefinitely, so long as you pay the renewal fees.
• Who manages renewals: Renewals are handled by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO). The process is straightforward, but it’s important to get the details right.
• Why it matters: If you don’t renew, your registration can lapse and be removed from the register. That can leave you exposed - for example, a competitor might try to register a similar mark, or you could lose the easy legal leverage that comes with a registration.
• Legal background: The rules sit under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and related regulations. In practice, the process is designed to be accessible, but the consequences of missing a renewal can be serious for your brand strategy.

If you’re still in the brand-building phase and haven’t registered yet, it’s worth understanding the full lifecycle - from filing to renewal - including the practical steps to trade mark your logo in the first place.

When Should You Renew And How Much Does It Cost?

You can renew your trade mark ahead of time and, if needed, there’s a limited grace period after the expiry date. However, leaving it late will increase costs and risk.

Typical Timeframes

• Early renewal: You can usually renew several months before the 10-year anniversary. Many businesses diarise renewal at the nine-and-a-half year mark to keep it simple.
• Late renewal: There’s generally a six-month late renewal window after the expiry date, but late fees apply for each month you’re overdue. After that, your mark may be removed from the register.
• Restoration: If your mark is removed for non-renewal, there may be a process to request restoration, but it’s discretionary, evidence-heavy and more expensive - so it’s best not to rely on it.

Costs To Expect

UKIPO renewal fees are set per class. In plain terms, the more classes your registration covers, the higher the fee. Late renewals attract additional charges on top of the base renewal fee.

Because official fees can change, always check the current schedule before you file or factor in professional fees if you want help with the process. If you’re comparing the price of new filings versus renewals, it can be helpful to sense-check typical trade mark registration costs so you know what to budget if you need to file anything new alongside a renewal.

Why Timing Matters

Renewing on time keeps your protection seamless. Late renewals, restorations and re-filings all carry more risk. For example, if your registration lapses and a third party files a similar mark, getting your brand back on the register can become harder and more expensive.

How To Renew A Trade Mark Step-By-Step

Renewing a UK trade mark is a process you can complete online, but take a moment to prepare - a couple of checks now can save headaches later.

1) Confirm Your Registration Details

Locate your trade mark number, owner name, classes and the list of goods and services. Make sure the owner name and address for service are up to date. If your business has rebranded, changed its legal structure, or moved, you may need to update the register before you renew.

2) Check How You’re Using The Mark

Genuine use matters. In the UK, trade marks can be vulnerable to revocation if they haven’t been put to genuine use for a continuous five-year period. A quick internal audit of how the mark appears on packaging, websites, marketing and invoices will help ensure your usage aligns with the registration and supports your rights.

3) Decide What To Renew

Renewals are filed against the existing classes and specification. You can’t expand your protection during renewal - you can only keep what’s already registered. If your business has grown into new products or services that aren’t covered, plan a separate filing to add protection in new classes via a fresh application. For that, consider a targeted new filing with Register a Trade Mark support.

4) File The Renewal With UKIPO

Submit your renewal online with UKIPO, selecting the classes you’re keeping and paying the applicable fee. Keep your confirmation and diarise the next renewal date immediately to avoid any future rush.

5) Update Your Brand Usage (Optional But Smart)

After renewal, review your brand guidelines and how you use the ® symbol. Using the symbol correctly helps deter copycats and signals that your mark is protected. If you need a refresher on using the symbols lawfully, see this quick guide to trade mark symbols.

Smart Checks Before You Renew

Renewal is a great moment to step back and ask: does our trade mark still reflect the business we’re building? A short brand audit now can strengthen your position for the next decade.

Review Your Goods/Services Coverage

Has your business model evolved since you first filed? Perhaps you started with a single product and now offer subscriptions or new categories. Remember, renewal can’t broaden your specification - it only preserves what’s already there. If you’ve outgrown your original classes, map out the gaps and file new applications alongside your renewal so your protection matches your current offering. A new filing is straightforward when you’re clear on your classes, and a brief chat with an Intellectual Property Lawyer can help you avoid costly misclassifications.

Check Ownership And Chain Of Title

If the mark was originally filed in a founder’s name and is now used by the company, or if there’s been a restructure or acquisition, get ownership formally aligned with reality on the register. Where ownership needs to change hands, use a proper assignment with Transfer a Trade Mark support so your rights are clean and enforceable.

Review Licences And Franchise Arrangements

If you license your brand to franchisees, distributors, or partners, double-check your licence agreements. They should set clear quality controls, permitted uses and territory, and link to the registered rights you’re renewing. If any contracts are outdated or informal, it’s worth upgrading them to a tailored IP Licence so your brand reputation is protected day-to-day.

Think Internationally

Renewal is also a good time to consider whether you need protection beyond the UK. If you’ve built traction abroad (for example, sales into the EU, US or Australia), explore filing via the international system or direct national filings. The strategy and timing here can be nuanced, so it’s worth speaking to a professional about an International Trade Mark plan that fits your expansion.

Police And Enforce Your Rights

A live registration helps you stop lookalikes, but it’s not a “set and forget” shield. Consider setting up watch services, tightening brand guidelines, and training your team on how to spot misuse. If enforcement is needed, having a clear record of renewal, correct ownership and consistent use puts you on strong footing.

Align With Your Wider IP Strategy

Your trade mark is one piece of your intellectual property. Use renewal as a checkpoint to review your other assets - for example, design registrations, copyright, and any patents under consideration. A simple “IP health check” can highlight opportunities to strengthen your overall protection, especially if you rely on distinctive product designs, packaging, or software. For new names or logos launching soon, budget for filings and get clarity on the classes you’ll need so you’re protected from day one.

Missed The Deadline? Your Options And Risks

Don’t panic - if you’ve only just missed the due date, you may still be able to renew late. The key is to act quickly.

Late Renewal Window

In many cases, there’s a six-month period after the expiry date where you can still renew by paying the standard renewal fee plus late fees. The late fees generally stack per month you’re overdue, so the longer you wait, the higher the cost. The moment you realise, file the renewal - delays only make things harder.

Removal And Potential Restoration

If the late renewal window passes, the UKIPO may remove your mark from the register. Once removed, it might still be possible to request restoration, but you’ll usually need to show reasons for the failure to renew and pay additional fees. Restoration isn’t guaranteed and can take time. While you’re off the register, your position is weaker, so move fast and get advice on the best route.

Re-Filing As A Last Resort

Sometimes the practical answer is to file a new application. This can be a clean way to get your brand back on the register if restoration isn’t feasible. However, a new filing gets a new filing date - you won’t automatically get back your historical priority - and you may face objections or oppositions that didn’t exist last time. If you need to file afresh, consider a sensible, future-proof specification with Register a Trade Mark support so you’re covered for where the business is heading.

Commercial And Legal Risks Of A Gap

Even a short gap can create commercial risk. You may struggle to stop imitators, online platforms may push back on brand enforcement notices, and licensees might query their rights. If a third party files a similar (or identical) mark while yours has lapsed, it can complicate your path back to registration. This is why we recommend diarising renewals well in advance and allocating budget for brand maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Mark Renewals

Can I Add New Goods Or Services At Renewal?

No - renewal keeps your existing coverage in place. To protect new goods or services, you’ll need to file a separate application in the relevant classes. Think of renewal as maintenance, and new filings as growth.

Do I Need To Prove Use To Renew?

Typically, the UKIPO won’t ask for use evidence at renewal. However, non-use over a five-year period can make your mark vulnerable to cancellation by others. That’s why keeping evidence of genuine use (dated marketing materials, product shots, invoices, website archives) is smart risk management.

What If We’ve Rebranded?

If you’re retiring an old brand, you can choose not to renew that registration. But think carefully - sometimes keeping legacy protection is wise if customers still encounter the old brand (e.g. on long-life products or in online reviews). If you’re moving to a new brand, get that new mark on the register early so there’s no gap in protection. If you’re unsure how to position both brands, a brief consult with an Intellectual Property Lawyer can help you weigh the options.

Do I Need A UK Address For Service?

Yes - you should have an up-to-date UK address for service on record so you receive all official UKIPO correspondence. Make sure this is correct before you file your renewal.

What About EU And International Rights?

UK and EU trade marks are separate. If you also have an EU trade mark or designations through the International (Madrid) system, those rights have their own renewal cycles and fees. Calendar all relevant renewal dates and consider aligning them for simplicity. If you’re just starting to expand abroad, plan an International Trade Mark strategy that reflects your rollout markets.

Can I Keep Using The ® Symbol After Renewal?

Yes - if your UK registration is live for the mark you’re using, you can continue to use the ® symbol to indicate it’s registered. Use it in a way that’s accurate and not misleading, and make sure you’re using the same sign as the registered mark for the relevant goods/services.

Practical Tips To Make Renewals Easy

• Diarise early: Record your renewal dates and set reminders at 12, 6 and 3 months out. If you manage multiple marks, keep a simple spreadsheet or use a portfolio management tool.
• Keep tidy records: Save dated examples of use each year (screenshots, brochures, packaging, ads). It can be invaluable if anyone challenges your mark.
• Bundle reviews: Pair renewal with a quick brand and IP review - are you using the mark consistently, are there enforcement issues, and do your licences reflect current reality?
• Budget annually: Allocate a small annual budget for IP maintenance (renewals, watch services, occasional enforcement). It’s more manageable than scrambling for funds every 10 years.
• Professional help: If your situation isn’t straightforward (ownership changes, international filings, expanded product lines), a short consultation can save time and cost later.

Key Takeaways

• Renew your UK trade mark every 10 years to keep protection alive; renew early to avoid late fees and the risk of removal.
• Renewal preserves your existing coverage - if your business has grown into new areas, file new applications for those goods/services alongside your renewal using Register a Trade Mark.
• Before you renew, check ownership, address for service, licences and how the mark is used; clean “chain of title” and genuine use evidence strengthen your position.
• If you miss the deadline, act fast - late renewal may still be possible within a limited window, but fees and risks increase the longer you wait.
• Align renewal with your broader brand strategy: consider international protection with an International Trade Mark, review licences with a robust IP Licence, and fix any ownership gaps via Transfer a Trade Mark.
• Using the ® symbol correctly, maintaining consistent brand use, and keeping organised records will help you deter copycats and enforce your rights more easily.

If you’d like help with a trade mark renewal, adding new classes, or planning international protection, our team is here to help. You can reach us at 08081347754 or team@sprintlaw.co.uk for a free, no-obligations chat.