If I apply for a trademark with a generic logo to increase distinctiveness, can I update the logo later?

Photo of Igor Demcak

Written by Igor Demcak

Founder & Trademark Attorney

No. Once an application is filed, the mark cannot be changed. The trademark register covers the exact version of the logo submitted in the application; any modification to the design means the updated version falls outside the scope of the registration.

If you rebrand or change your logo after registration, you will have to file a separate new application to protect the new logo. The original registration will still cover the old design for as long as it remains active, and both registrations are able to run concurrently.

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