311.01(a) Format for Answer
An answer need not follow a particular format, as long as the answer meets the requirements for the particular type of submission to the Board (37 CFR § 2.126(a) for paper and 37 CFR § 2.126(b) for electronic filings through ESTTA), and otherwise includes the necessary information. The format for an answer is similar to a complaint and should include the following information:
An answer should bear at its top the heading "IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BEFORE THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD," followed by the name of the proceeding (e.g., "ABC Corporation v. XYZ Company"), the proceeding number (e.g., "Opposition No. 91156789" or "Cancellation No. 92042567"), and a title describing the nature of the paper (e.g., "ANSWER," "ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIM," etc.). Cf. TBMP § 309.02(a).
Substance of answer: The answer must contain admissions and/or denials of the allegations in the complaint and may include any defenses to those allegations. See TBMP §311.02.
Signature: The answer must be signed and include a description of the capacity in which the signing individual signs, e.g., attorney for defendant, defendant (if defendant is an individual), partner of defendant (if defendant is a partnership), officer of defendant identified by title (if defendant is a corporation), etc. See TBMP § 311.01(b).