904.03(i)(D)   Beta Websites

In some cases a specimen may consist of an excerpt from a website labeled as "beta." This term is commonly used to describe a preliminary version of a product or service. Although some beta websites may not be accessible to consumers, others are. Thus, the use of this term in connection with an apparently functioning website shown in a specimen does not, by itself, necessarily mean that the relevant goods or services shown on the website are not in actual use in commerce or that the specimen is unacceptable. If it is not clear whether the beta version is in actual use in commerce, the examining attorney should issue a requirement for information under 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b), asking whether the version is in use in commerce. See TMEP §1301.03(a) regarding service mark specimens containing the term "beta."