1209.03 Upon Granted Letter of Protest
A third party that has knowledge of facts bearing upon the registrability of a mark in a pending application may bring such information to the attention of the Office by filing, with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy, a "letter of protest," that is, a letter that recites the facts and which is accompanied by supporting evidence. [ Note 1.] The Deputy Commissioner will determine whether the information should be given to the examining attorney for consideration. See TBMP § 215.
Proceedings in an ex parte appeal will not be suspended pending determination by the Deputy Commissioner of a letter of protest. However, if a letter of protest is granted during the pendency of an ex parte appeal, and the examining attorney, having considered the supporting evidence submitted with the letter of protest, believes that an issue not involved in the appeal may render the mark of the applicant unregistrable, the examining attorney may file a written request with the Board, pursuant to 37 CFR § 2.142(f)(6), to suspend the appeal and remand the application for further examination.
For information concerning requests for remand for a new refusal or new requirement, and the further proceedings in the case if such a request is granted by the Board, see 37 CFR § 2.142(f)(6), and TBMP § 1209.02.
NOTES:
1. See TMEP §1715; TBMP §1207.06.