Trademark Application Cycle

Trademark Application Cycle
Applications Filed on Basis of Intent to Use in Interstate or Foreign Commerce
Steps	Description	Time Period	Explanation
1	Application Filed		Application Filing Date
2	Substantive Examination	5-7 Months from Filing Date	PTO Examines Application for Registrability and issues an Office Action, a Priority Office Action, or an Examiner's Amendment. We try to consult with the Examining Attorney at this point in an effort to speed the Application through the process
3	Response to Office Action	6 Months from Office Action Date	A response to an objections by the PTO must be made within 6 months of the mailing date of the objection
4	Publication	3 Months from Approval of Application	Once the application is approved by the PTO, it is published in the Official Gazette
5	Opposition Period	30 Days from Publication Date	Third Parties have one month to file an objection, or a request to extend the time to file an objection (up to 120 days from the publication date)
6	Notice of Allowance	3 Months from Expiration of Opposition Period	This commences the three (3) year period within which the mark must be used and a Statement of Use must be filed. However, it is necessary to file an Extension Request every six (6) months to keep the application pending until use commences.
7	Registration Issues	3 Months from Acceptance of Statement of Use	The registration will issue three months from the Statement of Use.