Registering a trademark is a complex process, which requires the implementation of a real action strategy, but it is not the end of the process and the life of your brand is just beginning. Its longevity is not guaranteed and many trademarks are lost over time, often due to inaction or negligence.
Registration is only valid for a limited period of time. In France, a trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date. This is also the case in most countries, and for international trademarks registered under the Madrid Protocol, although there are differences in the measurement of time, with some offices taking the date of application as the starting point, while others start from the date of registration.
A trademark can therefore be protected for many years, as long as it continues to fulfil the function defined by the Intellectual Property Code, i.e., as long as it is capable of distinguishing particular goods or services. This is the reason why some famous brands such as Peugeot continue to be used for several decades after their registration. However, this protection can only be maintained over time if it is regularly renewed.
Whether you have a very large or a relatively small trademark portfolio, it is essential to have a trademark portfolio management system in place to avoid accidental loss of rights. Good record keeping and close monitoring of deadlines will ensure that your trademarks are never forfeited.
Sometimes rights lapse because the trademark owner has not followed the renewal process or because of a failure to pay the renewal fee. With a portfolio of several trademarks and long periods of time, errors and oversights are very common. Many trademark portfolios are composed of several types of trademarks such as word marks or logos. In addition, registrations are very often made at different times. Good trademark portfolio management therefore requires reliable registration systems that include details on all registrations, dates, additional documents that may be required and, most importantly, alerts on upcoming deadlines.
This is precisely why we created IPzen! Since 2014, IPzen is a collaborative solution for trademarks portfolio management, including modules dedicated to intellectual property assets.
IPzen is a collaborative but also intuitive tool, created by lawyers, for lawyers. Our solution gives you the freedom to work remotely or at the office in complete security, on all your files and trademark portfolios.
It can be entirely adapted and tailored to your needs. The platform consists of a common base including a dashboard, an agenda to manage deadlines, a file management module and a directory.
