Trademark registration is a valuable asset for companies operating in Poland because it grants the exclusive right to use a sign for specific goods or services. Like all IP rights, trademark protection is not perpetual – registration lasts for ten years from the filing date and must be renewed periodically. This guide explains the renewal process for national Polish trademarks, the deadlines and grace periods, official fees, and the practical requirements for rights holders. The information is based on the Polish Industrial Property Law, Polish Patent Office (UPRP) guidance and authoritative legal commentaries, with citations noted throughout.
How long is a Polish trademark valid?
According to Article 153 of the Polish Industrial Property Law, the term of a trademark right is ten years from the filing date. The right holder can extend the protection for successive ten‑year periods by submitting a renewal request and paying the required fees. The law permits an unlimited number of renewals, provided that each renewal is timely and the mark has not been cancelled or invalidated.
Renewal window and grace period
Ordinary renewal period
Under the Industrial Property Law, a renewal request must be filed no earlier than one year before the end of the protection period and before the protection period expires. In practice, this means that trademark holders may start paying renewal fees when the ninth year of protection begins. Many practitioners recommend submitting the renewal in the last year to avoid early payment but ensure continuity of protection. The Polish Patent Office sends a reminder at least six months before expiry; however, failure to receive notice does not excuse late payment, so owners should monitor deadlines independently.
Grace period
If a renewal fee is not paid before the end of the ten‑year period, the law allows a six‑month grace period. During this additional period, the renewal request may still be submitted, but the owner must pay an additional fee. The grace period begins immediately after the expiration date; if the renewal is not filed by the end of the grace period, the trademark right lapses and cannot be reinstated. Legal commentary explains that the additional fee is 30 % of the regular renewal fee. This penalty is non‑restorable; if the renewal is not filed within the six‑month grace period, the registration is irrevocably cancelled and a new application is required.
Key renewal deadlines
| Renewal deadline | Description |
| Start of renewal window (Year 9) | Owners can submit renewal request and pay the fee up to 12 months before the expiration date. |
| Expiration date (end of Year 10) | Last day to renew without penalty; payment must be made before this date. |
| Grace period (6 months after expiration) | Renewal possible with 30 % surcharge. If not renewed by the end of the grace period, the registration lapses irrevocably. |
Official renewal fees
Regular renewal fees
Polish renewal fees are defined by the Regulation of the Council of Ministers on fees related to industrial property protection. Following amendments in 2016, the official fee for renewing a national trademark is PLN 400 per Nice class. Each additional class costs another PLN 400. These fees are payable for each ten‑year period and include the publication of the renewal in the official journal. Renewals may be submitted online or via paper; the UPRP does not issue renewal certificates, but the renewal will be recorded in the register.
Late renewal fees
When a renewal is filed during the six‑month grace period, the owner must pay the regular renewal fee plus a 30 % surcharge. This means each class costs PLN 520 (400 × 1.3) if renewed late. For example, a registration covering three classes would cost PLN 1,200 if renewed on time (3 × 400) and PLN 1,560 if renewed in the grace period (3 × 520). The additional fee compensates for the administrative burden and encourages timely renewal.
Summary of fees
| Renewal time | Fee per class | Example (3 classes) |
| On time | PLN 400 | 3 × 400 = PLN 1,200 |
| During 6‑month grace period | PLN 520 (PLN 400 + 30 %) | 3 × 520 = PLN 1,560 |
Fees are payable to the Polish Patent Office. Owners can pay themselves or through an authorised representative.
The commission of Pocket IP for trademark application service is 200 USD per trademark.
Payments are accepted in USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, and PLN (at the client’s request). Both bank payment and card payment are available.
