1058. ( 8) Duration of registration

This statute sets the trademark registration period for ten years, subject to renewal, provided that an affidavit is filed between the fifth and sixth year of use showing that the mark is still in use or that good reasons exist for its nonuse.

Each registration shall remain in force for 10 years, except that the registration of any mark shall be canceled by the Director for failure to comply with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, upon the expiration of the following time periods, as applicable:
1. For registrations issued pursuant to the provisions of this Act, at the end of 6 years following the date of registration.
2. For registrations published under the provisions of section 12(c) [15 USCS 1062(c)], at the end of 6 years following the date of publication under such section.
3. For all registrations, at the end of each successive 10-year period following the date of registration.
During the 1-year period immediately preceding the end of the applicable time period set forth in subsection (a), the owner of the registration shall pay the prescribed fee and file in the Patent and Trademark Office—
1. an affidavit setting forth those goods or services recited in the registration on or in connection with which the mark is in use in commerce and such number of specimens or facsimiles showing current use of the mark as may be required by the Director; or
2. an affidavit setting forth those goods or services recited in the registration on or in connection with which the mark is not in use in commerce and showing that any such nonuse is due to special circumstances which excuse such nonuse and is not due to any intention to abandon the mark.
1. The owner of the registration may make the submissions required under this section within a grace period of 6 months after the end of the applicable time period set forth in subsection (a). Such submission is required to be accompanied by a surcharge prescribed by the Director.
2. If any submission filed under this section is deficient, the deficiency may be corrected after the statutory time period and within the time prescribed after notification of the deficiency. Such submission is required to be accompanied by a surcharge prescribed by the Director.
Special notice of the requirement for affidavits under this section shall be attached to each certificate of registration and notice of publication under section 12(c) [15 USCS 1062(c)].
The Director shall notify any owner who files 1 of the affidavits required by this section of the Director’s acceptance or refusal thereof and, in the case of a refusal, the reasons therefor.
If the registrant is not domiciled in the United States, the registrant shall designate by a written document filed in the Patent and Trademark Office the name and address of some person resident in the United States on whom may be served notices or process in proceedings affecting the mark. Such notices or process may be served upon the person so designated by leaving with that person or mailing to that person a copy thereof at the address specified in the last designation so filed. If the person so designated cannot be found at the address given in the last designation, such notice or process may be served upon the Director.