During this unpredictable time, we have a few practical trademark maintenance tips that could save “future you” time and money. Foundationally, trademark rights are maintained via use of the mark in commerce. For federally registered marks, this use is evidenced in maintenance filings during the lifecycle of the trademark. However, use in commerce may be difficult, if not impossible, during pandemic-related shutdowns. Typically, periods of non-use of a mark can leave a trademark owner without evidence to support a registration’s maintenance filings and may also leave a trademark vulnerable to claims of cancellation or abandonment.
The good news is that the Lanham Act, the law governing federal trademark rights, has a built in safeguard that allows owners to avoid unnecessary and unwanted results in light of unforeseen events, like, for example, global pandemics…
In the event that you have a U.S. Trademark Office maintenance filing due in the coming months, our team is ready to assist you. Just as important, trademark owners that may not have maintenance filings due, but who experience interruptions in operations, should note the following for their records:
- The date that use of the mark stopped (or your “non-essential” business had to cease operations);
- The approximate date when you hope to resume use (or resume operations); and
- Documentation of the facts that lead to non-use (for example, an order from local or state government) and affirmation that you intend to use your trademark when those special circumstances are relieved. (37 C.F.R.§2.161)
We recognize that the health and safety of your family and community is your top priority during this difficult time. We will do our part to help you focus on what matters most by providing our expertise on the path forward for your business.
For further information regarding your trademarks, please feel free to contact us.
-Elizabeth Sewell, Esq.