How long is the protection of a registered trademark valid?
August 11, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Helma Krause
Dear Trademark Lawyer,
My name is Paula Rosenblatt and I have been running an online shop for several years, where I sell handcrafted jewelry. Some time ago, I registered my brand "Sparkle Creations" with the German Patent and Trademark Office to protect my products from imitation.
Now I am wondering how long the protection of a registered trademark actually lasts. I am concerned that my trademark rights may expire after a certain period of time, leaving my brand insufficiently protected. I want to ensure that I can continue to exclusively use the designation "Sparkle Creations" for my jewelry to successfully run my business.
Could you please explain to me how long the protection of a registered trademark is generally valid for? Are there ways to extend or renew this protection? What steps should I take to ensure that my brand remains protected in the long term?
Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your expertise in this matter.
Sincerely,
Paula Rosenblatt
Dear Mrs. Rosenblatt,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the protection of your brand "Sparkle Creations". As a trademark attorney, I can assist you and provide you with relevant information on this topic.
The protection of a registered trademark is generally valid for a period of 10 years. This means that within this time, you have the exclusive right to use the designation "Sparkle Creations" for your handmade jewelry and can prohibit third parties from using this trademark. After the expiration of the 10 years, you have the option to extend the protection of your trademark by applying for an extension with the German Patent and Trademark Office.
To ensure that your brand remains protected permanently, it is important to apply for the extension of trademark protection in a timely manner. Therefore, you should inform yourself about the options for extension before the 10 years expire and, if necessary, submit a corresponding application on time. The extension of trademark protection is usually possible for another 10 years, allowing you to protect your brand for a total of 20 years.
Furthermore, it is important that you actively use your brand and take action against possible trademark infringements to maintain the protection of your brand. If you find that third parties are using your brand unlawfully, you should take legal action promptly to protect your rights.
I hope this information helps you and answers your question regarding the protection of your brand "Sparkle Creations". If you have any further questions or need assistance with extending the trademark protection, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Helma Krause
Trademark Attorney
