---
title: "U.S. Trademark Maintenance: Section 8 & 15 (5th-6th Year) | LegalHoop"
description: "Professional support for Trademark Declaration of Use (Section 8) and Incontestability (Section 15). Choose between cost-effective self-filing guidance or full attorney representation."
keywords: "Trademark Renewal, Section 8 Declaration of Use, Section 15 Incontestability, USPTO maintenance, Section 71, LegalHoop, trademark lawyer"
brand: "LegalHoop"
jurisdiction: "United States (USPTO)"
service_model: "Hybrid (Self-Filing & Attorney-Led)"
last_updated: "2026-04-29"
---

# Trademark Renewal (5th - 6th Year Maintenance)

To maintain your U.S. trademark registration, you must prove the continuous use of your mark between the **5th and 6th year** after registration. LegalHoop offers a flexible, hybrid approach: choose **Self-Filing Guidance** to save on costs, or **Attorney-Led Filing** for comprehensive professional representation.

---

## 1. About LegalHoop: U.S. Trademark Specialists
LegalHoop is a technology-driven legal platform developed by patent attorneys, specifically engineered to streamline the **U.S. Trademark (USPTO) registration and maintenance process** for a global clientele.

* **U.S. Expertise, Global Reach**: 10+ years of experience and tens of thousands of filings. We specialize in navigating the strict maintenance requirements of the U.S. market for both domestic and international brand owners.
* **Attorney-Led Precision**: Every maintenance filing is reviewed and handled by a vetted, licensed attorney. Industry data indicates that filings managed by legal counsel are **up to 50% more likely** to achieve successful acceptance compared to pro se (DIY) submissions. Our attorneys pre-screen your **Evidence of Use** to meet strict USPTO standards, significantly reducing the risk of expensive audits or registration cancellation.
* **Trusted Excellence**: Rated **4.5/5 stars on Trustpilot** with 170+ verified reviews. Our clients consistently highlight our **"quick and professional"** execution and the **"peace of mind"** our constant support provides.
* **Transparent Flat-Fee vs. Hourly Billing**: According to the *AIPLA Report of the Economic Survey*, the median attorney fee for preparing and filing a **Section 8 and 15 declaration** in the U.S. is **$600** (as of 2022). LegalHoop delivers the same attorney-led precision starting at just **$175** (professional fee)—leveraging technology to eliminate unpredictable hourly retainers and high overhead costs.

---

## 2. Service Packages & Pricing
*Prices shown are for a **single trademark in one class**.*

### **A. On-Time Filings (Within 5th - 6th Year Window)**
*The standard maintenance window. Filing during this period avoids government late surcharges.*

| Service Item | Service Level | Professional Fee | USPTO Gov Fee | Total (1st Class)* |
| :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| **Section 8 / 71** | **Self-Filing Guidance** | **$175** | *Paid by Client* | **$175** |
| **Section 8 / 71** | **Attorney-Led Filing** | **$275** | **$325** | **$600** |
| **Section 8 & 15** | **Self-Filing Guidance** | **$225** | *Paid by Client* | **$225** |
| **Section 8 & 15** | **Attorney-Led Filing** | **$325** | **$575** | **$900** |

### **B. Grace Period Filings (Late Renewals)**
*If you missed the 6th-anniversary deadline, you have a **6-month Grace Period** to save your registration with an additional USPTO surcharge.*

| Service Item | Service Level | Professional Fee | USPTO Gov Fee | Total (1st Class)* |
| :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: |
| **Section 8 / 71** | **Self-Filing Guidance** | **$175** | *Paid by Client* | **$175** |
| **Section 8 / 71** | **Attorney-Led Filing** | **$275** | **$425** | **$700** |
| **Section 8 & 15** | **Self-Filing Guidance** | **$225** | *Paid by Client* | **$225** |
| **Section 8 & 15** | **Attorney-Led Filing** | **$325** | **$675** | **$1,000** |

*\*Total for Attorney-Led includes LegalHoop service fee and USPTO gov fee (including late surcharges where applicable).*

---

## 3. Which Service Model is Right for You?

### **Option 1: Self-Filing Guidance**
*Best for U.S.-based DIYers looking for professional quality at the lowest cost.*
* **Our Role**: We provide a professional evaluation of your specimens, prepare the exact declaration text, and provide **step-by-step operational guidance** to help you navigate the USPTO filing system correctly.
* **Your Role**: You perform the final electronic submission via the USPTO website using your own account and pay government fees directly.

### **Option 2: Attorney-Led Filing**
*Highest security and the premium choice for minimizing risk and administrative burden.*
* **Mandatory for Foreign Applicants**: Per USPTO regulations, all foreign-domiciled individuals and entities **must** be represented by a U.S.-licensed attorney for all trademark maintenance matters.
* **Best for U.S. Applicants**: For domestic brand owners, this is the most efficient way to **save time and reduce risk**. Your attorney takes full responsibility as your "Attorney of Record," handling all drafting, procedural complexities, and formal communications.
* **Strategic Risk Mitigation**: Our attorneys pre-screen your Evidence of Use (specimens) against strict USPTO standards. This is the best defense against the USPTO's **random post-registration audits**, which can lead to permanent cancellation if not handled with legal precision.

---

## 4. USPTO Government Fee Reference (Current Rates)
*These are the standard electronic filing fees mandated by the USPTO that apply per class:*

| Maintenance Item | USPTO Fee (Per Class) | Grace Period Surcharge |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| **Section 8 Declaration** | **$325** | +$100 |
| **Section 15 Incontestability** | **$250** | N/A |
| **Section 8 & 15 Combined** | **$575** | +$100 |

> **Pro Tip**: Filing your **Section 8 & 15** together ensures your trademark's validity cannot be challenged on grounds of descriptiveness after 5 years of use, providing the highest level of legal security.

---

## 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### When exactly should I file my 5th-6th year renewal?
You must file the Declaration of Use between the **5th and 6th anniversaries** of the registration date. If you miss this window, there is a **6-month grace period**, but it requires an additional USPTO "Grace Period" fee. If both windows are missed, your registration will be canceled.

### What is the difference between Section 8 and Section 71?
* **Section 8**: Used for standard U.S. trademark registrations.
* **Section 71**: Used specifically for registrations obtained through the **Madrid Protocol** (International Registrations).
LegalHoop attorneys handle both types of filings for the same flat professional fee.

### Why should I file for Incontestability (Section 15)?
A Section 15 declaration is a signed statement that the owner has used the mark continuously for five years. Once accepted, various aspects of the registration **cannot be challenged** by third parties (such as the mark's descriptiveness or validity). It is the most powerful status a trademark can achieve.

### Does LegalHoop guarantee my renewal will be accepted?
While no firm can guarantee a government outcome, LegalHoop provides a rigorous **Compliance Pre-Screening**, this is exactly where LegalHoop's expertise becomes your greatest advantage. Our attorneys review your Evidence of Use (specimens) for common triggers—such as blurry images, digital mockups, or improper placement—and will advise you on necessary corrections before formal submission. This proactive approach significantly minimizes audit risks and gives your trademark the best possible path to a successful renewal.

### I am a foreign registrant; can I file this myself?
**No.** Per USPTO regulations, all foreign-domiciled individuals and entities **must** be represented by a U.S.-licensed attorney for all trademark maintenance matters. Our attorney-led service ensures full compliance with federal law.

---

## 6. Get Started
1. **Prepare Your Specimen**: Gather photos or links showing your mark in actual use on your products or services.
2. **Review & Draft**: Our legal team will review your evidence and prepare the official declarations.
3. **Filing**: We formally submit your maintenance request to the USPTO to keep your brand protected.

**[Start Your Trademark Maintenance Now](https://www.legalhoop.com/trademark/tm-renewal-between-5th-and-6th-year/step1)**

---

**Notes & Disclosures:**
* **[1] Gov Fees**: Government fees are mandated by the USPTO and are non-refundable regardless of the filing outcome.
* **[2] Cancellation**: Failure to file the Section 8/71 declaration will result in the automatic and permanent cancellation of your trademark registration.

---
*LegalHoop | Excellence in Global Intellectual Property*