1306.04(b)(i) Exercise of Control
As stated in the application requirements, an application based on use in commerce under §1(a) of the Trademark Act, and an allegation of use under 15 U.S.C. §1051(c) or 15 U.S.C. §1051(d) filed in connection with a §1(b) application, must include a verified statement that the applicant is exercising legitimate control over the use of the certification mark in commerce. 37 C.F.R. §§2.45(a)(4)(i)(F), 2.76(b)(1)(v), 2.88(b)(1)(v). For an application based on §1(b), §44, or §66(a) of the Act, the verified statement must specify that the applicant has a bona fide intention, and is entitled, to exercise legitimate control over the use of the certification mark in commerce. 37 C.F.R. §2.45(a)(4)(ii)(C), (a)(4)(iii)(C), (a)(4)(iv)(C), (a)(4)(v)(B).
If there is any evidence of record that casts doubt as to the existence or nature of such control by the applicant, the examining attorney must require an explanation and sufficient disclosure of facts, or the filing of appropriate documents, to support the applicant’s statement regarding the exercise of control over the use of the mark, pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b).