1606.14(a) Response to Examiner’s Refusal Required Before Petition
A response to the initial refusal to accept a renewal application is required before filing a petition, unless the Post Registration staff directs otherwise or there is no time remaining to respond to the refusal. 37 C.F.R. §2.186(a).
If the Post Registration staff continues the refusal of the renewal application, the registrant may file a petition for review of the action under 37 C.F.R. §2.146(a)(2), within six months of the issuance date of the action continuing the refusal. See TMEP §1705.04. If the registrant does not file a petition within six months of the issuance date, the registration will expire. 37 C.F.R. §2.186(b).