1904.03(f) Notification of Correction in the International Register with Respect to a Pending Request for Extension of Protection
When the IB determines that there is an error concerning an international registration in the International Register, it corrects that error ex officio. The IB will also correct an error at the request of the holder or the Office of Origin. Regs. Rule 28(1). If the IB notifies the USPTO of a correction with regard to an international registration, the USPTO may declare in a notification to the IB that protection cannot, or can no longer, be granted to the international registration as corrected. Such a declaration must be sent to the IB within 18 months of notification of the correction. This may be done where there are grounds for refusal of the international registration as corrected which did not apply to the international registration as originally notified to the USPTO. Regs. Rule 28(3).
Unlike limitations, which affect only the listing of goods and/or services, a correction can involve any element of the international registration, including the mark for which registration is sought, the effective filing date, or the claim of priority. Corrections are not to be treated as amendments from the applicant. They are also not responses to Office actions and do not toll the statutory response period.
If the MPU determines that a correction does have effect in the United States and does not require review by the examining attorney, the correction will be entered into the Trademark database. The MPU trademark specialist will update the prosecution history in the Trademark database to reflect that the processing of the correction has been completed.
If the MPU determines that review by the examining attorney is required, the MPU will notify the examining attorney of the correction and the examining attorney will determine whether the correction raises any new grounds for refusal or basis for a new requirement. If the examining attorney determines that the correction raises new issues, he or she must issue an Office action refusing registration or making the necessary requirements and indicating the reasons why, supported by evidence, where appropriate. The examining attorney must also ensure that the new Office action is sent to the IB. The applicant may argue against the refusal or requirement, and, if such refusal or requirement is made final, file an appeal to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board or petition to the Director pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §2.146.
See also TMEP §1904.14 regarding corrections to registered extensions of protection and §1906.01(f) for information about filing requests for correction with the IB.