702.03(a)(i)    Companion Applications Not Previously Assigned for the Same or Similar Marks

If an applicant has multiple pending applications, the issues in the applications are likely to be similar.  When assigned a new application, an examining attorney will be assigned the companion applications filed within three months of the filing date of the first assigned application.  If an applicant files more than ten applications within a three‑month period, only the first ten will be assigned to one examining attorney.  Examining attorneys are encouraged to assign all unassigned companion applications for the same or similar marks to themselves, even if the applications were filed outside the three-month period.

The assignment of companion applications is done electronically, based upon the owner’s name as set forth in the application.  Therefore, the owner’s name should be set forth consistently in all applications.

See TMEP §702.03(a)(iv) regarding classification and identification in companion applications that have been published for opposition.