1104.10(b)(iv)   Use in Commerce and Dates of Use

An amendment to allege use must include a verified statement that "the mark is in use in commerce," and must specify the dates of the applicant’s first use of the mark and first use of the mark in commerce for each class of goods/services. 37 C.F.R. §2.76(b)(1)(ii). The applicant may amend the dates of use if the applicant supports the amendment with an affidavit or declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20. 37 C.F.R. §2.71(c). The applicant may not amend the dates of use to recite dates of use that are subsequent to the filing of the amendment to allege use. However, the applicant may withdraw the amendment to allege use. 37 C.F.R. §2.76(h).

The requirement for a verified statement that "the mark is in use in commerce" is a minimum filing requirement that must be satisfied before the amendment to allege use may be examined on the merits. 37 C.F.R. §2.76(e)(3). See TMEP §§1104.01–1104.01(c) regarding amendments to allege use that do not meet minimum filing requirements.