304.02    Formal Communications Not Acceptable via Email

Email may not be used to file applications for registration of marks, responses to Office actions or requests for an extension of time to respond, pre- or post-publication amendments to an application, changes of correspondence address, appointments or revocations of attorneys, designations or revocations of domestic representatives, attorney withdrawal requests, petitions, documents required by statute to show use of a mark in commerce or to request an extension of time to show such use, and post-registration maintenance documents, proposed amendments, or responses to Post Registration Office actions.  These documents must be filed electronically using TEAS, unless an exception to the requirement to file through TEAS applies. See 37 C.F.R. §2.23(a). See TMEP §301.01 regarding mandatory electronic filing and §301.02 regarding the limited exceptions for filing on paper.

Further, email may not be used to request an advisory opinion as to the likelihood of overcoming a refusal or requirement. The examining attorney or Post Registration specialist should advise the applicant to file a formal response for consideration of arguments regarding any refusal or requirement.

See TMEP §304.01 regarding informal communications that are acceptable via email, §709.04 regarding telephone and e-mail communications in examination, and §709.05 regarding informal communications in examination.

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board does not accept email communications.