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Expect Increased Scrutiny from the USPTO Regarding Trademark Use Claims

Client Alert | 1 min read | 08.13.14

Trademark applicants and registrants may experience increased scrutiny of their trademark use claims in light of the results of a recent Pilot Program, conducted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), showing that fifty percent (50%) of approximately 500 randomly selected registrants could not support the claims made in previously filed Declarations of Use. See USPTO Report. Each selected registrant had been asked to submit specimens showing use for two additional goods or services per class in addition to the specimen already submitted with the Declaration.

The USPTO is continuing to study the matter and it is unclear what formal actions it ultimately will take. It is clear the USPTO believes this is a problem that needs to be addressed. The USPTO has stated it may conduct other similar audits and there is nothing to prevent it from auditing applications as well. Trademark owners should exercise extra care to insure that a mark is in use for all goods and services listed in an application or registration before filing a Declaration of Use or Statement of Use.

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Client Alert | 5 min read | 08.21.26

FTC Proposes Enforcement Policy Statement on Personalized Pricing: What Businesses Need to Know

On August 19, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed Enforcement Policy Statement on personalized pricing — the practice of companies using consumers’ personal data to set individualized prices, discounts, coupons, or other incentives. The proposed statement, which is open for public comment for 30 days following publication in the Federal Register, marks a major step up in the FTC’s focus on data-driven pricing strategies and puts businesses across industries on notice that undisclosed or inadequately disclosed personalized pricing will not be tolerated. Importantly, while the proposed statement is not a binding legal requirement and does not create new legal obligations, it serves as an enforcement warning that the FTC is prepared to use its existing enforcement authority under Section 5 of the FTC Act (Section 5) and is also a potential harbinger of rulemaking. Businesses that engage in — or are considering — personalized pricing should carefully assess their disclosure practices and data collection procedures against the standards articulated in this statement....

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