1604.12(b)    Specimen Submission Issues

Under 37 C.F.R §2.56(d), the specimen must generally be submitted through TEAS in a file format that is designated acceptable by the USPTO. See TMEP §904.02(a) for more information regarding electronically filed specimens.

Sometimes, no visible specimen is in the record due to a technical problem during submission of the affidavit or declaration.  In this situation, the Post Registration staff should first send an email to the TEAS mailbox to ask whether the problem can be fixed by uploading the file again.  If it cannot, the Post Registration staff must ask the owner to submit:  (1) the specimen (or an exact copy of the specimen) that was attached to the original electronically filed affidavit or declaration; and (2) a statement by the person who transmitted the affidavit or declaration to the USPTO that the specimen being submitted is a true copy of the specimen submitted with the electronically filed affidavit or declaration.  This statement does not have to be verified.  Alternatively, the owner may submit a new specimen, together with an affidavit or declaration that the substitute specimen was in use in commerce on or in connection with the goods/services during the relevant period specified in §8 of the Act.  No deficiency surcharge is required.  See TMEP §1604.12(c) regarding the requirements for an affidavit or declaration supporting use of substitute specimens.