Affidavit of Use Accepted
Low — keep the maintenance calendar honestWhat this means
USPTO accepted your continued-use filing — your registration clears a major checkpoint
The USPTO has accepted your Section 8 Declaration of Continued Use (also called an Affidavit of Use). This is the maintenance filing required between years 5 and 6 of registration. By filing and having it accepted, you've proven to the USPTO that your mark is still actively used in commerce.
Your registration is confirmed active and protected. If you also filed a Section 15 Declaration of Incontestability at the same time, your mark may now carry incontestable status — a significant legal advantage.
What you should do now
Keep using the mark — and plan for Section 9
- Note your next maintenance deadline — Section 9 renewal is due every 10 years from your registration date. Do not confuse "Section 8 accepted" with "done forever."
- If you haven't filed for incontestability yet, consider doing so now. Eligibility rules apply; counsel can help you evaluate fit.
- Continue using the mark in commerce in connection with the goods/services listed. Maintenance filings reflect reality, not wishful thinking.
What happens if you do nothing
Acceptance is not the end of obligations
Registration remains active until your Section 9 renewal window. Missing that window permanently cancels the registration.
FAQ
Quick answers founders look for
What is an Affidavit of Use for a trademark?
It commonly refers to the Section 8 Declaration of Continued Use (and/or Excusable Nonuse where applicable), where the owner declares the mark remains in use in commerce for the goods and services covered — with supporting specimen requirements and USPTO review. Acceptance means USPTO credited a timely, compliant filing for that maintenance milestone.
What's the difference between Section 8 and Section 15?
Section 8 is typically about proving continued use to maintain the registration through the periodic declaration window. Section 15 is a Declaration of Incontestability that can confer powerful defensive benefits if eligibility requirements are met and USPTO accepts it. They solve different problems: maintenance versus claim strength.
What happens after my Affidavit of Use is accepted?
Your registration generally remains active past the Section 8 window you satisfied — but federal registration still requires ongoing use and future renewal filings (including Section 9 on the decadal rhythm shown on your record). Treat acceptance as clearing one checkpoint, not retiring the maintenance calendar.
MarkSnag monitors your trademark daily and alerts you the moment your status changes
Maintenance filings should never be surprises. MarkSnag watches USPTO movement for you and translates it into plain English — Section 8 outcomes, renewal windows, and more.
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