203.05    Duplicate Requests

It sometimes happens that duplicate requests for an extension of time to oppose are filed on behalf of the same party by two attorneys from the same firm, or from differing firms, or by an attorney from a firm and in-house counsel. Attorneys should make every effort to avoid the filing of such duplicate requests, which waste the time and resources of the Board and the attorneys.

When duplicate paper requests have been filed and the first request has been granted, the second request is given no consideration, and the attorneys are notified in writing of the duplicate filings and are requested to take appropriate action to avoid filing duplicate requests in the future. [ Note 1.] If requests filed by different attorneys on behalf of the same party are duplicates but for the fact that the second request seeks a longer extension than the first, the second request will be granted, if otherwise appropriate.

NOTES:

 1.   Most requests for extension of time filed via ESTTA are automatically processed. Because they are not examined by Board staff, duplicate requests may be granted. However filed, counsel should avoid duplicate filings by checking the application status in TTABVUE prior to filing an extension request (or any other paper).