Trademark Registration in Macau: A Guide by Manuela António – Lawyers and Notaries (Part 3)
Welcome back to our final installment of the three-part series on trademark registration in Macau, brought to you by Manuela António – Lawyers and Notaries (MA). In the previous editions, we explored the foundational steps and intricacies of registering a trademark in Macau. Now, in Part 3, we shift our focus to an equally important phase – the renewal procedure.
Trademark Renewal in Macau: Ensuring Long-Term Protection
Trademark registration is not a one-time endeavor; it requires vigilant management to maintain its validity and exclusivity. Manuela António – Lawyers and Notaries is committed to guiding you through the renewal process to safeguard your intellectual property.
1. Timing is Key:
As mentioned previously, trademarks in Macau are initially registered for seven years. To ensure uninterrupted protection, it is crucial to initiate the renewal process well in advance. Our experts at MA will closely monitor your registration timeline, notifying you when it is time to renew.
In theory, it is possible to revalidate a trademark that has expired, insofar as it occurs within a specific period post-expiration, and a surcharge fee is paid.
2. Filing the Renewal Application:
Approximately six months before your trademark’s expiration date, our team will prepare and submit the renewal application to the Intellectual Property Department of Macau. This application includes essential details about the trademark and requires the payment of the necessary fees to maintain its registration.
3. Examination and Approval:
The Macau Intellectual Property Department will examine the renewal application to confirm its compliance with legal requirements, although the examination procedure will be smoother than that involving the registration of new trademarks. Once approved, your trademark’s registration will be extended for another seven years, reaffirming your exclusive rights.
4. Post-Renewal Considerations:
Following a successful renewal, it’s crucial to update and maintain accurate records of your trademark, which includes also ensuring that the renewed trademark is consistently used in commerce.
For further details or queries, please reach out to our Intellectual property Lawyers in Macau, Tiago Assunção and António Zhang, or contact Manuela António – Lawyers and Notaries via our general email address at info@mantonio.net.