What action is needed for a registered trademark that has not been used?

When a registered trademark has not been put to use in commerce, the appropriate action to take is a request to surrender the registration for cancellation. This is because maintaining a trademark registration without any use can be problematic. The trademark owner has a duty to use the mark in commerce to keep the registration active. If the owner cannot demonstrate use or does not intend to use the mark, surrendering the registration helps clear the trademark registry of inactive marks. This can also prevent potential legal issues related to the abandonment of the trademark.

Renewing a trademark or filing a new application would not resolve the issue of non-use, as they both imply an intention or obligation to use the mark in commerce eventually. A rebranding effort, while it could involve new trademarks or usage, does not directly address the status of the original registration that has not been utilized. Thus, surrendering the registration is the most fitting course of action in this scenario.