801.02(d) Reply Brief for Defendant Not Permitted
There is no provision for filing a reply brief, rebuttal brief, rejoinder brief, etc. by a party in the position of defendant. If a party in the position of defendant files such a brief, it may be stricken, or given no consideration, by the Board. TBMP § 539. The party in the position of defendant may counter any arguments raised in plaintiff’s reply brief during oral argument. [ Note 1.]
However, if a defendant has counterclaimed to cancel a registration owned by the plaintiff, the defendant, as plaintiff in the counterclaim, may file a reply brief directed to the counterclaim. TBMP § 801.02(e).
NOTES:
1. United Foods Inc. v. United Airlines Inc., 33 USPQ2d 1542, 1542 (TTAB 1994) (respondent may counter any arguments raised in petitioner’s reply brief during oral argument).