1304.02(b)(i)    Statements Required in Verification of Application for Registration - §1 or §44 Application

See TMEP §1303.01(b)(i) for information about the requirements for the verified statement in applications under §1 or §44 for a collective trademark or collective service mark. These requirements apply similarly to collective membership marks. The two exceptions are the following requirements, which differ only in form.

Bona Fide Intention and Entitlement to Exercise Legitimate Control. If the filing basis is §1(b), §44(d), or §44(e), the applicant must submit a verified statement that the applicant has a bona fide intention, and is entitled, to exercise legitimate control over the use of the mark in commerce, and that to the best of the signatory’s knowledge and belief, no other persons, except members, have the right to use the mark in commerce, either in the identical form or in such near resemblance as to be likely, when used in connection with the collective membership organization of such other persons, to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive. 37 C.F.R. §2.44(a)(4)(ii), (a)(4)(iii)(B), (a)(4)(iv)(B). If this verified statement is not filed with the original application, it must also allege that, as of the application filing date, the applicant had a bona fide intention, and was entitled, to exercise legitimate control over the use of the mark in commerce. 37 C.F.R. §2.44(b)(2).

Ownership. In an application based on §1(a), the verified statement must allege that the applicant believes the applicant is the owner of the mark, and that to the best of the signatory’s knowledge and belief, no other persons, except members, have the right to use the mark in commerce, either in the identical form or in such near resemblance as to be likely, when used in connection with the collective membership organization of such other persons, to cause confusion or mistake, or to deceive. 37 C.F.R. §2.44(a)(4)(i)(D); see 15 U.S.C. §§1051(a)(3)(A),  1051(a)(3)(D).

See TMEP §§1304.02(a) - (a)(iv) for further information regarding filing-basis requirements, including the verified statement.