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.
Contacts
Insights
Client Alert | 4 min read | 09.12.25
SBA’s OHA Further Defines Extraordinary Action in SDVOSB Appeal
On September 4, 2025, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) granted an appeal challenging SBA’s determination that a service-disabled veteran did not control an entity applying for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status based on a minority owner’s ability to block certain actions in the matter of VSBC Appeal of: Blue Skye Foods, LLC, SBA No. VSBC-442-A.
Client Alert | 6 min read | 09.11.25
U.S. Department of Commerce Partially Relaxes Export Controls on Syria
Client Alert | 9 min read | 09.11.25
Client Alert | 1 min read | 09.10.25
