What does the term "canceled or expired trademarks" refer to?

The term "canceled or expired trademarks" specifically refers to trademarks that were once registered but are no longer actively registered. When a trademark registration is canceled, it means that the rights associated with that trademark have been officially revoked, often due to non-renewal or failure to fulfill required maintenance filings. An expired trademark typically denotes that the registration was not renewed before the end of its term, leading to the loss of protection.

This definition aligns with the understanding of trademark registrations, which have specified durations that must be maintained through renewals. Trademarks that fall under this category may lose their status and protection, making them publicly accessible for others to use, which is crucial for businesses and brands seeking to avoid confusion with existing marks.

In contrast, trademarks that were never registered do not fit the definition of canceled or expired, as they were never granted legal protection in the first place. Similarly, trademarks still in pending status are awaiting approval and have not reached a state of cancellation or expiration. Finally, trademarks that have just been registered denote marks that are currently active and have just gained protection, which again does not align with the terms of cancellation or expiration.