806.03(a)    When Basis Can be Changed

Section 1 or §44 Application- Before Publication.  The applicant may add or substitute a basis before publication, provided that the applicant meets all requirements for the new basis.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(1).

Section 1 or §44 Application- After Publication.  In an application that is not the subject of an inter partes proceeding before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, if an applicant wants to add or substitute a basis after a mark has been published for opposition, the applicant must first petition the Director to allow the examining attorney to consider the amendment.  If the Director grants the petition, and the examining attorney accepts the added or substituted basis, the mark must be republished.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2).  See TMEP §§806.03(j)–806.03(j)(iii) for further information.

Amendment of an application that is the subject of an inter partes proceeding before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board is governed by 37 C.F.R. §2.133(a).  See Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Manual of Procedure  ("TBMP") §514.

Section 66(a) Application.  In a §66(a) application, the applicant cannot change the basis, unless the applicant meets the requirements for transformation under §70(c) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. §1141j(c),  and 37 C.F.R. §7.31.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(a); TMEP §806.03(k).