How to Revive an Abandoned Trademark Application Receiving a Notice of Abandonment from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can be very disheartening and feel like a punch to the gut. You have spent months—maybe even years—building your brand, only to be told your application is dead because of a missed deadline.   It is a stressful situation, but it doesn't always mean the end of the road for your trademark. The USPTO registration process is a very technical and strict one that can be unforgiving for a first-time "do it yourself" filer.  Your application can be abandoned for any of a number of reasons, but typically related to missing an important deadline.   Under specific circumstances, the USPTO allows applicants to revive abandoned applications. The process is strict, time-sensitive, and requires careful legal maneuvering, but it is possible to get your application back on track. This guide explains why abandonment happens, the specific steps to revive your application, and why acting immediately is your best defense.