Introduction

Registering a trademark with INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) is a crucial step in ensuring legal protection and exclusivity over your brand name, logo, or symbol. However, many business owners and entrepreneurs are unsure about what to do after their trademark is officially registered.

In this article, we will explain the next steps after trademark registration, how to maintain protection, avoid legal issues, and maximize the value of this important asset.

1. Verify the Registration Details

Once INPI approves the trademark, the certificate of registration will be published in the Industrial Property Gazette (Revista da Propriedade Industrial – RPI). The first step is to check the registration details to ensure there are no errors, such as:

✅ Correct owner’s name and information.
✅ Proper classification and categories as requested.
✅ Complete and accurate registration details.

If there are any mistakes, you can request corrections from INPI within a specific timeframe.

2. Use the ® Symbol to Indicate Your Trademark is Registered

Now that your trademark is officially protected, you can add the ® symbol to your marketing materials, product packaging, website, and social media.

🔹 This informs the public and competitors that the trademark is legally protected.
🔹 Discourages counterfeiting and unauthorized use since the brand is already registered.
🔹 Strengthens brand credibility and market value.

3. Monitor and Protect Your Trademark from Unauthorized Use

Even with registration, others may try to copy or use your trademark without permission. To prevent this:

✅ Regularly search the internet, social media, and INPI records for possible infringements.
✅ Monitor competitors to ensure no one is trying to register a similar name or logo.
✅ File oppositions with INPI if another company attempts to register a confusingly similar brand.

If someone is misusing your trademark, you can take legal action to enforce your rights.

4. Renew the Trademark on Time

A trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the date of approval. To maintain exclusivity, you must renew it before it expires.

🔹 The renewal request can be made starting from the last year of validity.
🔹 If you miss the deadline, there is a six-month grace period (with an extra fee).
🔹 If you fail to renew, the trademark will expire and become available for others to register.

Tip: Mark the renewal date in your calendar to avoid risks!

5. Expand Trademark Protection Internationally (If Needed)

If your business plans to expand internationally, consider applying for international trademark protection. This can be done through the Madrid Protocol, allowing you to register your trademark in multiple countries with a single application.

✅ Prevents competitors from registering your brand abroad.
✅ Facilitates international brand recognition.
✅ Protects your trademark in key foreign markets.

6. Commercialize or License Your Trademark

Once registered, your trademark becomes a valuable business asset that you can monetize in several ways:

🔹 Licensing – Allow other companies to use your brand in exchange for royalties.
🔹 Franchising – Expand your business by offering franchise opportunities.
🔹 Selling the trademark – If you no longer wish to use it, you can sell it to another company.

A registered trademark has market value, and strategic management can create business opportunities.

Conclusion

Registering a trademark with INPI is just the beginning. To ensure that your trademark remains protected and valuable, it is essential to monitor it, renew it on time, and protect it from unauthorized use.

If you want to strengthen your brand in the market, follow these steps and make the most of your trademark registration to grow your business with security and credibility.