506.02    Time for Filing

A motion to strike matter from a pleading should be filed within the time for, and before, the moving party’s responsive pleading. [ Note 1.] If no responsive pleading is required, the motion should be filed within 21 days after service upon the moving party of the pleading that is the subject of the motion. [ Note 2.] However, a motion to strike matter from a pleading will not relieve the defendant from filing its responsive pleading. The issues raised in a motion to strike may be discussed in the discovery conference in the event the parties request Board participation therein; and the non-movant need not file a responsive brief in such a case. A Board attorney will participate in the discovery conference when timely requested to ensure the resolution of the matter. The parties are required to contact the assigned Board attorney to arrange the date and time of the conference. The parties are, of course, encouraged to resolve the issue prior to the case conference. Alternatively, and particularly in the event the parties do not request Board participation in a discovery conference, the parties may fully brief a motion to strike matter from a pleading and the Board will issue a written determination.

However, the Board, upon its own initiative, and at any time, including during a discovery conference, may order stricken from a pleading any insufficient claim or defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter. [ Note 3.] Thus, the Board, in its discretion, may entertain an untimely motion to strike matter from a pleading. [ Note 4.] If a motion to strike is filed after the discovery conference, it will be decided like any other pretrial motion.

NOTES:

 1.   Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(f)(2); Order of Sons of Italy in America v. Profumi Fratelli Nostra AG, 36 USPQ2d 1221, 1222 (TTAB 1995); Western Worldwide Enterprises Group Inc. v. Qinqdao Brewery, 17 USPQ2d 1137, 1139 (TTAB 1990).

 2.   Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(f); Order of Sons of Italy in America v. Profumi Fratelli Nostra AG, 36 USPQ2d 1221, 1222 (TTAB 1995); American Vitamin Products, Inc. v. Dow Brands Inc., 22 USPQ2d 1313, 1314 (TTAB 1992).

 3.   Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(f); Order of Sons of Italy in America v. Profumi Fratelli Nostra AG, 36 USPQ2d 1221, 1222 (TTAB 1995).

 4.   Order of Sons of Italy in America v. Profumi Fratelli Nostra AG, 36 USPQ2d 1221, 1222 (TTAB 1995); American Vitamin Products, Inc. v. Dow Brands Inc., 22 USPQ2d 1313, 1314 (TTAB 1992); Western Worldwide Enterprises Group Inc. v. Qinqdao Brewery, 17 USPQ2d 1137, 1139 (TTAB 1990); 5C C. WRIGHT & A. MILLER, FEDERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE CIVIL § 1380 (3d ed. April 2021 Update).