505.02 Time for Filing
A motion for a more definite statement, if filed, must be filed within the time for, and before, the moving party’s responsive pleading. [ Note 1.] An extension of time to file a responsive pleading automatically extends the time to file a motion for a more definite statement, unless the Board orders otherwise.
Because a motion for a more definite statement raises issues regarding the complaint of such a nature that the responding party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, generally a party filing such a motion has not filed an answer. Consequently, the time for the parties to conduct their required discovery conference and all subsequent dates are effectively stayed because the pleadings must be complete and issues joined before the conference is held. [ Note 2.]
NOTES:
1. Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(e). Cf. Covidien LP v. Masimo Corp., 109 USPQ2d 1696, 1700 (TTAB 2014) (Board required petitioner to provide a more definite statement of its request for a § 18 modification or restriction to registrant’s registration, failing which, petition to cancel would be dismissed).
2. MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES TO TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD RULES, 72 Fed. Reg. 42242, 42245 (August 1, 2007) ("Because disclosure is tied to claims and defenses, … the filing of various pleading motions under Federal Rule 12 will effectively stay the parties’ obligation to conference and, subsequently, make initial disclosures.").