non-use cancellation petitions

Non-use cancellation petitions are legal requests to cancel a trademark registration because the owner has not used the trademark in commerce for a specified period, typically three years in the U.S. They allow interested parties, like competitors, to challenge trademarks that are not actively being used, preventing owners from "squatting" on unused brands. If the petition is successful, the trademark can be removed from the registry, helping ensure that trademarks remain relevant and beneficial in the marketplace. This process helps maintain a fair competitive environment and encourages businesses to actively use their registered trademarks.