Notice of Allowance

Definition

A Notice of Allowance is a communication from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) informing an applicant that their trademark application has been approved for registration, contingent upon the payment of the required fees. This notice signifies that the examining attorney has found no issues with the application and indicates a major step towards securing trademark rights. Following this notice, the applicant must file a statement of use or an amendment to allege use to complete the registration process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Notice of Allowance is issued only after an applicant's trademark has passed examination, meaning there are no substantive refusals.
2. Once a Notice of Allowance is received, applicants have six months to file either a Statement of Use or a request for an extension of time.
3. If the applicant does not take action within the designated timeframe after receiving the Notice of Allowance, their application will be abandoned.
4. Receiving a Notice of Allowance does not guarantee that the trademark will be registered; it merely indicates that no objections exist at that point.
5. The fees associated with filing a Statement of Use following a Notice of Allowance must be paid to complete the registration process.

Review Questions

• How does receiving a Notice of Allowance impact the trademark application process?
  • Receiving a Notice of Allowance marks a significant milestone in the trademark application process, indicating that the USPTO has found no issues with the application. It allows the applicant to proceed toward registration by filing a Statement of Use or requesting an extension. This notice confirms that all preliminary examinations have been satisfied and that the mark is on track for registration if further requirements are met.
• What are the next steps an applicant must take after receiving a Notice of Allowance, and what are the potential consequences of failing to act?
  • After receiving a Notice of Allowance, an applicant must file a Statement of Use within six months or request an extension to show that they are using the trademark in commerce. Failing to take action within this timeframe results in abandonment of the application, meaning all progress made will be lost and re-filing would be necessary to seek registration again.
• Evaluate how the Notice of Allowance fits into the broader context of trademark registration and enforcement.
  • The Notice of Allowance plays a crucial role in trademark registration as it represents both approval from the USPTO and a pathway to full trademark rights. This step is essential for applicants to establish exclusive rights over their trademarks, which ultimately aids in brand protection and enforcement against infringers. The significance of this notice extends beyond just procedural matters; it shapes how businesses navigate their intellectual property strategy in competitive markets.

Related terms

Trademark Application: The formal request submitted to the USPTO seeking registration of a trademark, which includes details about the mark and its intended use.

Statement of Use: A document filed by an applicant after receiving a Notice of Allowance, indicating that the trademark is being used in commerce.

Opposition Period: A 30-day period following the publication of a trademark in the Official Gazette during which third parties can challenge the registration of the mark.