Section 15 declaration of incontestability

A Section 15 declaration of incontestability is a sworn statement, filed by the owner of a mark registered on the Principal Register, claiming “incontestable” rights in the mark for the ]]good]]s/services specified.

Filing a Section 15 Declaration is optional. However, there are certain rules governing when one may be filed. A §15 Affidavit may not be filed until the mark has been in continuous use in commerce for at least five consecutive years subsequent to the date of registration for marks registered under the Act of 1946 (and subsequent to the date of publication under §12(c) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. §1062(c), for marks registered under the Acts of 1905 and 1881 for which the benefits of the Act of 1946 have been claimed). The §15 Affidavit must be executed and filed within one year following a 5-year period of continuous use of the mark in commerce.

Marks registered on the Supplemental Register are not eligible for claims of incontestable rights under §15.