What Problem Does the Trademark Renewal Pre-Review Service Solve?
One of the responsibilities of trademark ownership is keeping your registration accurate over time. Since renewals are required between the 5th and 6th year after registration and then every 10 years, many owners forget these deadlines. To maintain an accurate registration, trademark owners need to periodically:
Verify Ownership: Ensure the listed owner is correct (e.g., if the original owner incorporated, sold the business, or changed their legal name since filing).
Update Contact Information: Keep company contact details current.
Review Goods and Services: Ensure only items currently used in commerce are listed, removing those no longer sold or offered.
If this information isn’t updated before the renewal window opens, you risk penalty fees of at least $250 and delays during the renewal process. Our service helps you avoid these issues by reviewing and updating your registration proactively.
What Happens if the Ownership Isn’t Accurate When the Renewal Is Filed?
Only the legal owner can file a trademark renewal. For example, if an LLC owns the trademark today but an individual is listed as the owner from five years ago, the USPTO will likely notice during the renewal process and issue an office action. This causes delays and extra costs. To avoid this, update ownership records before renewing. Markavo offers a Trademark Assignment Service for $199 in legal fees plus $40 in government fees. Learn about the Trademark Assignment Service here.
What Happens if the Contact Information Isn’t Up to Date?
Outdated contact details (e.g., mailing address or email) mean you might miss critical USPTO notifications, such as renewal deadlines, office actions, infringement claims, or Trademark Trial and Appeal Board cases. The good news? Updating this information is free and included in our Trademark Renewal Pre-Review Service.
What Happens if Goods and Services Include Items No Longer Used in Commerce?
When renewing, you swear under oath that every listed product and service is actively used in commerce. Unused products and services must be removed from the registration. For example, if your registration covers "Backpacks; Purses; Travel bags" but you only sell backpacks now, "Purses" and "Travel bags" need to go.
Before the Renewal Window: Remove unused items for no government fee.
During Renewal: It costs $250-$350 per class in penalty fees to remove them.
Updating your registration before the renewal period saves money and avoids complications.
How Does the USPTO Know if Goods and Services Aren’t in Use?
You sign a declaration under oath during renewal, stating all listed goods and services are in use. If untrue, and your renewal is selected for the USPTO’s Post Registration Audit Program, you’ll face:
Penalty Fees: $250 per class to correct.
Deficiency Fee: An additional $100 if discrepancies are found.
Proactively removing unused items before renewal avoids these costs. Learn more about the USPTO Post Registration Audit Program.
What Information Is Reviewed and Updated in the Service?
We review and update:
Ownership: Ensuring the listed owner is correct (assignments, if needed, cost $199 + $40 government fees via our Trademark Assignment Service).
Contact Information: Updating email, phone, and mailing address.
Goods and Services: Removing items no longer in use, keeping only what’s active.
How Much Does the Trademark Renewal Pre-Review Service Cost?
Legal Fees: $125.
Government Fees: None, if completed before the renewal window opens.
Ownership Assignments (if needed): $199 + $40 government fees (most cases don’t require this).
How Long Does the Service Take?
Most updates are filed within 3-4 business days after we receive payment and all required information from you.
How Do I Pay for the Service?
Visit www.markavo.com/trademark-renewal-pre-review-service to pay the attorney fee. Shortly after payment clears, we’ll email you an intake form to gather details about your trademark.
What If the Pre-Review Finds an Assignment Is Needed? Do I Pay Extra?
Yes, if an assignment is required to update ownership, it costs an additional $199 in legal fees plus $40 in government fees via our Trademark Assignment Service. Fortunately, most cases don’t need this.
What Happens If I Skip the Pre-Review and Renew With Incorrect Information?
Renewing with outdated ownership, contact details, or unused goods/services can lead to:
Office Actions: Delays and extra costs to fix.
Audit Penalties: $250 per class plus a $100 deficiency fee if selected for the Post Registration Audit Program.
Legal Risks: In extreme cases, false declarations under oath could have legal consequences.
Using our service helps you avoid these pitfalls.
Does This Service Cover Trademarks Registered Outside the US?
No, this service is only for trademarks registered with the USPTO. For international trademarks, consult local trademark attorneys in those countries.
Do I Need to Prove My Goods and Services Are Still in Use?
For the pre-review, you don’t submit physical proof to us—just confirm which items are in use so we can update your registration. During renewal, you’ll sign a declaration under oath stating all listed items are active. If audited later, you may need to provide evidence of use.