1715.04(b) Jurisdiction of Application After Publication
As a general rule, after publication, the examining attorney does not have jurisdiction to act on an application. TMEP §1504.04. Therefore, if a letter of protest filed after publication and before issuance of the registration or notice of allowance complies with the requirements of Rule 2.149 and the Deputy Commissioner determines that the submitted evidence will be included in the application record for consideration by the examining attorney, the Commissioner for Trademarks will restore jurisdiction of the application to the examining attorney pursuant to the authority delegated by the Director. The Commissioner will also restore jurisdiction under such circumstances when extension of time to file an opposition has been filed. However, if an opposition has been instituted, the Board has jurisdiction over the application and the Commissioner will request that the Board restore jurisdiction to the examining attorney. TMEP §1504.02.
If the letter of protest concerns a mark in an intent-to-use application where a notice of allowance has issued, the examining attorney has jurisdiction. 37 C.F.R. §2.84(a). If the Deputy Commissioner determines that the evidence submitted with the letter of protest should be included in the application record and a statement of use has not been filed, the USPTO will cancel the notice of allowance and refund any fees paid for requests for an extension of time to file a statement of use. TMEP §1106.03. Furthermore, if a statement of use has been filed, the examining attorney has jurisdiction and must review the statement of use and include any issues relevant to the statement of use in the Office action resulting from the letter of protest. If an Office action regarding the statement of use has already issued, the examining attorney must issue a supplemental action regarding the refusals or requirements resulting from the evidence included in the record and incorporating by reference or restating any other outstanding refusals or requirements.