Instructions for Filing Trademark Renewal Form
"Declaration of Use of Mark in Commerce Under Section 8"

Generally trademarks must be renewed every five years.  This is done by filing a form called "Declaration of Use of Mark in Commerce Under Section 8" with the United States Patent and Tradeark Office ("USPTO").   CLICK HERE for an article that provides an overview

You have been directed to this page because the FIU Small Business Clinic has prepared the form and saved it as a digital file (with an "OBJ" extension) and delivered it to you as an email attachment (the "OBJ" file).

The purpose of this page is to give you instructions on how to upload that OBJ file into the government's on-line system.

Step-by-Step Filing Instructions

1.   Use a laptop or desktop computer to file the application and not your smart phone.

2.   Save the digital OBJ application file to your hard drive.

3.   If you already have a personal USPTO account and you can remember how to sign in you may skip steps 4 through 6 below and go directly to the on-line form at the following link: https://teas.uspto.gov/postreg/sect08.  From there continue to step 7 of these instructions.  If you do not remember your sign-in information you must continue to step 4 below and create a new account.

4.   Create an new account on the government's trademark website. 5.   Now follow this link to go to USPTO's online form: https://teas.uspto.gov/postreg/sect08

6.   Doing that will take you to the "Declaration of Use of Mark in Commerce Under Section 8" - click "Choose File"

7.   You will then be prompted navigate to the directory on your hard drive where the OBJ file is stored - once there, select the OBJ file.

8.   Once your obj file is uploaded click "Continue."

NOTE:  You do NOT have to do anything in steps 9 through 14 below other than click "continue" on the bottom of each page to go to the next page

9.   FIRST PAGE OF FORM: After doing the above you are taken to the first page of the actual application. Once there do the following:
  • On that page (labeled "Mark Info") review the information for accuracy then
  • Click "Continue" at the bottom of the page

  • Tip:   Make sure the email address for you is shown correctly. USPTO will be communicating with you exclusively by email
10.   SECOND PAGE OF THE FORM: On that second page (labeled "Owner") review the information for accuracy then click "Continue" at the bottom to proceed to the third page.

11.   THIRD PAGE OF FORM: On the third page (labeled "Goods/Services") review the information for accuracy then click "Continue" at the bottom to proceed to the fourth page. You do not have to do anything else, but you may choose to view your specimens in the following optional step.
  • OPTIONAL STEP - VIEW SPECIMENS:  Here on this third page you have the option of viewing the previously upload "specimens".  If you wish to do that click the link below for instructions OR you may skip this step and proceed directly to the fourth page by clicking the "Continue" button at the bottom of the 4th page.

    • Click "Click here to Attach Specimen(s)"

    • Under "File Uploaded", click on the specimen(s) - [they are highlighted in blue]

    • When you are done click "Return to Form" to continue
12.   FOURTH PAGE OF FORM:  On the fourth page (labeled " Correspondence Information ") review the information then click "Continue" at the bottom to proceed to the fourth page.  After confirming that the information is correct, click "continue" on the bottom to proceed to the fifth page.

13.   FIFTH PAGE OF FORM: On that fifth page (labeled "Miscellaneous Information"), click "continue" on the bottom to proceed to the sixth page.

14.   SIXTH PAGE OF FORM:  The sixth page summarizes the filing fees incurred with filing your declaration.  After reviewing, click "continue" on the bottom to proceed to the seventh page.

15.   SEVENTH PAGE OF FORM: The seventh page is where you electronically "sign" and verify that the information in your application is true. Be sure to choose "Sign Directly" under "Signature Method"
  • Under the heading "DECLARATION" CLICK ALL FOUR OF THE BOXES (indicating that all four of the statements are true).

    • Tip: the first of the four boxes can be confusing. But it is safe to click because the statement is true - (yes, the basis of your filing is either "use in commerce" or "intent to use").

  • Second, in the space indicated, "sign" your name by typing it in between slash marks. For example, "/John Doe/" (without the quotation marks). That will be your electronic signature.

    • Then, add the date signed as indicated.

  • Third, type your name in space labeled "signatory name"

  • Fourth, in the space labeled "Signatory Position" type "Owner". Or, if it is your company that is apply and not you personally type your title (for example "president")

  • Fifth, enter your phone number & date in the spaces indicated

  • Sixth, click the "validate" button at the bottom of the page
16.   FINAL PAGE OF FORM: Doing the above will take you to the final page. Enter your email address in the space indicated, then, if ready to pay, click "pay/submit". Enter your credit card information as instructed. Once submitted, a filing receipt email will be sent to you with the serial number. Save the serial number for your records.