203.04 Service
Every paper filed in the USPTO in inter partes cases must be served upon the other parties to the proceeding, and proof of such service must be made before the Board will consider the paper. [ Note 1.] The timely filing of a notice of opposition in the Office with proof of service and the required fee commences an opposition proceeding. [ Note 2.] Because a request for an extension of time to oppose is filed prior to the commencement of the opposition, it is ex parte, rather than inter partes, in nature. Accordingly, the request need not be served (or include proof of service) upon the applicant. [ Note 3.] Once the Board has acted upon a request for an extension of time to oppose, the Board will send the applicant a copy of the Board’s action thereon. [ Note 4.]
NOTES:
3. La Maur, Inc. v. Andis Clipper Co., 181 USPQ 783, 784 (Comm’r 1974) (request for extension of time is an ex parte matter; requests need not be served on applicant).
4. Trademark Act § 13, 15 U.S.C. § 1063.