203.01(b)    Note on Electronic Filing With ESTTA

Electronic filing of extensions of time to oppose using ESTTA is required in all instances. In the rare occasion that ESTTA is unavailable due to technical problems, or when extraordinary circumstances are present, a request to extend the time to oppose an application based on Trademark Act § 1 or 44, 15 U.S.C § 1051  or 15 U.S.C § 1126  may be filed in paper form. [ Note 1.] A potential opposer is encouraged to plan ahead. "System status" for current and planned outages may be checked on the USPTO website. At times, a system may be down for a short period. A potential opposer, if unsuccessful at electronic filing on a first attempt, should try again later in the day before resorting to paper filing. Under no circumstances may a request to extend the opposition period for an application based on Trademark Act § 66(a), 15 U.S.C § 1141f(a), be filed on paper. [ Note 2.]

To assist the user, ESTTA provides prompts to supply and verify all required information. Most extensions of time to oppose filed via ESTTA are automatically processed, providing a nearly instantaneous Board order (with an email notification providing a link to the filing in TTABVUE) granting the requested extension (if appropriate).

ESTTA forms, including a request for extension of time to oppose, and filing instructions can be found at https://estta.uspto.gov. Filers with questions about electronic filing may call (571) 272-8500 or (800) 786-9199 (toll free) (8:30 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time) for assistance, or send an email to TTABISInfo@uspto.gov. [ Note 3.] For technical questions that arise during filing via ESTTA, the filer may send an email to ESTTA@uspto.gov. Questions of a general nature regarding Board proceedings should be directed to the phone numbers listed above.

See TBMP § 106.03 and TBMP § 110 for general information on ESTTA filing.

NOTES:

 1.   37 C.F.R. § 2.102(a)(1)  and 37 C.F.R. § 2.102(a)(2).

 2.   37 C.F.R. § 2.102(a)(1). See also In re Börlind Gesellschaft für kosmetische Erzeugnisse mbH, 73 USPQ2d 2019, 2020-21 (TTAB 2005) (requests for extension of time to oppose a Trademark Act § 66(a) (Madrid Protocol) application must be filed via ESTTA; paper requests for extensions will be denied).

 3.   When sending an email inquiry, include a description of the problem or question, the ESTTA tracking number (if any), the Board proceeding (or application) number (if any), and a name and telephone number for contact. The Board will respond to email inquiries within two business days. Email should not be used for more urgent inquiries.