Change Summary

   CHANGES: INDEX TO CHANGES IN TMEP October 2017

Attention is directed to the following changes in the October 2017 TMEP.

SECTION

CHANGE

TMEP

 

Incorporated changes in accordance with final rule issued at 82 FR 29401, relevant precedential decisions reported prior to September 1, 2017, and Exam Guides 01-17 through 04-17.

 

306.05

 

Added rule citation and cross reference.

 

306.05(d)

 

Deleted rule citation.

 

502.02(a)

 

Clarified procedure regarding the time for recordation and filing of request for issuance of registration in the name of a new owner.

 

608.02

 

Clarified procedures for handling submissions signed by suspended or excluded practitioners.  Updated hyperlink.

 

611.01(c)

 

Corrected rule extract.

 

611.03

 

Added procedure for reviewing submissions when application or registration owner who is not represented by a qualified practitioner becomes deceased or legally incapacitated.

 

611.03(d)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

707.02

 

Clarified procedures in paragraph (8).  Added situations in which an examiner’s amendment without prior approval may be issued. i.e., when an application under §1 or §44, or a response, includes a disclaimer of the entire mark.

 

710.01(b)

 

Added case citations regarding information originating on foreign websites or in foreign news publications.  Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

714.05(a)

 

Revised section title:  When an Amendment Proposed By Applicant Requires a New Nonfinal Action.  Clarified procedures and examples regarding when a new nonfinal action must be issued.

 

715.03(a)(ii)(C)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

715.03(a)(ii)(E)

 

Changes "only" to "solely" in section title and text.

 

717.02

 

Clarified that applicant must meet timeliness requirements for filing petition to revive.  Updated rule citation.

 

718.03

 

Changed "only" to "solely" in "Exception" paragraph and clarified that examining attorney should not treat such responses as non-responsive.

 

803.03(c)

 

Clarified procedure when "Limited" or "Ltd." Is included as part of the name of a corporation.

 

803.03(h)

 

Added cross reference.

 

803.03(k)

 

Added cross reference.

 

804.03

 

Clarified the types of documents that must be filed within a reasonable time after execution.

 

806.02(d)

 

Clarified procedures for abandonment of multiple-basis applications.

 

806.02(d)(i)

 

New section:  Abandonment for Failure to Respond to an Office Action.

 

806.02(d)(ii)

 

New section:  Abandonment for Failure to Respond to a Notice of Allowance

 

807.12(d)

 

Added case citation.

 

807.14(a)

 

Removed reference to matter that is disparaging.

 

809.01

 

Clarified requirement for Note to the File.

 

814

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edits.  Added case citation.

 

818

 

Removed references to matter that may disparage or bring into contempt or disrepute.

 

907

 

Added case citation.  Clarified that CSA applies to marijuana extracts.

 

1002.03

 

Revised to clarify procedures regarding overseas countries and territories of EU member states and applicants claiming citizenship in British overseas territories.

 

1108.05

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1109.02(a)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1109.04

 

Clarified that petition must be filed within deadlines listed in 37 C.F.R. §2.66(a).

 

1109.08

 

Clarified procedure regarding amendments submitted with the statement of use.

 

1109.10

 

Clarified that petition must be filed within deadlines listed in 37 C.F.R. §2.66(a).

 

1109.16(e)

 

Clarified that petition must be filed within deadlines listed in 37 C.F.R. §2.66(a).

 

1201.02(b)

 

Added case citation.

 

1202.02(a)(v)

 

Added case citation.

 

1202.02(a)(v)(A)

 

Added case citation.

 

1202.03

 

Clarified procedure when a service mark would be perceived only as decoration or ornamentation. Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1202.04

 

Incorporated Exam Guide 02-17: Merely Informational Matter

 

1202.04(a)

 

New section: General Information About the Goods or Services

 

1202.04(b)

 

New section: Widely Used Messages

 

1202.04(c)

 

New section: Matter from Religious Texts

 

1202.04(d)

 

New section: Response Options

 

1202.05(a)

 

Added case citation.

 

1202.08

 

Added procedure when a title, or a portion of a title, of a single creative work appears in a composite mark with registrable matter.  Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1202.16(c)(iv)

 

Clarified procedure when it is unclear whether the additional matter is a model or grade designation.

 

1202.17

 

Updated hyperlink.

 

1203

 

Changed section title:  Refusal on Basis of Immoral or Scandalous Matter; Deceptive Matter; Matter which May Falsely Suggest a Connection.  Added case citation and updated pursuant to Supreme Court decision.

 

1203.02(g)

 

Added case citation.  Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1203.03

 

Changed section title: Matter That May Falsely Suggest a Connection.  Updated pursuant to Supreme Court decision.  Deleted cross reference.

 

1203.03(a)(i)

 

Added case citation and clarified that "persons" encompasses groups.  Deleted reference to disparagement or bringing into contempt or disrepute.

 

1203.03(a)(ii)

 

Deleted reference to disparagement, or bringing into contempt or disrepute.

 

1203.03(a)(iii)

 

Deleted references to disparagement, or bringing into contempt or disrepute.

 

1203.03(b)

 

Added case citation and updated pursuant to Supreme Court decision.  Deleted cross references and case citation and quote.

 

1203.03(b)(i)

 

Deleted section.

 

1203.03(b)(ii)

 

Deleted section.

 

1204

 

Added case citation.  Deleted reference to disparagement.  Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1204.01(a)

 

Added case citation.

 

1204.02(a)

 

Added case citation.

 

1204.02(b)

 

Changed section title:  Examples of Insignia That Should Be Refused Under §2(b)

 

1204.02(c)

 

Changed section title:  Examples of Designs That Should Not Be Refused Under §2(b).  Added exception regarding initials, seal, and emblem of the United States Marine Corps.

 

1205.01

 

Deleted cross reference.

 

1205.01(d)(ii)

 

Added case citations.  Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1205.01(d)(ii)(A)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1205.01(d)(ii)(C)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1206.03

 

Added example.

 

1207.01

 

Added case citation.

 

1207.01(a)(iii)

 

Updated case citation.

 

1207.01(b)

 

Added case citations.  Deleted case citation.

 

1207.01(b)(v)

 

Added case citations.  Updated case citation.  Deleted case citation.

 

1207.01(d)(iii)

 

Added case citation.  Updated case citation. 

 

1207.01(d)(vii)

 

Added case citation.

 

1208.01(d)

 

Clarified that procedure applies when an application is reinstated.

 

1209.01(b)

 

Added case citations.

 

1209.01(c)

 

Added case citations.

 

1209.01(c)(i)

 

Added case citations and definition of when a mark is generic.

 

1209.01(c)(iii)

 

Added case citations.

 

1209.03(b)

 

Revised section title: Dictionary Listing.  Added case citation and guidance regarding significance of evidence about current usage of a term.

 

1209.03(c)

 

Added case citations and guidance regarding first and only user of generic designation.

 

1209.03(e)

 

Added case citation.

 

1209.03(j)

 

Added case citation.

 

1209.03(v)

 

Added case citation.

 

1209.03(x)

 

New section:  Historical Figure Names and Fictional Character Names

 

1211.01(a)(v)

 

Added case citation.

 

1211.01(a)(vi)

 

Added case citation.

 

1211.01(a)(vii)

 

Added case citation.  Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1211.01(b)(v)

 

Added case citations.

 

1211.01(b)(vi)

 

Incorporated Exam Guide 03-17: Surname Combined with Wording. 

 

1211.02(b)(iii)

 

Added case citation.

 

1211.02(b)(iv)

 

Added case citation.

 

1212.02(b)

 

Added case citation.

 

1212.05(a)

 

Added case citation.  Clarified that statements of length of use alone generally will be insufficient to establish acquired distinctiveness for terms encumbered with a greater degree of descriptiveness.

 

1212.05(b)

 

Added case citations.

 

1212.09(b)

 

Added quotations and clarification from cited case.

 

1214.01

 

Added case citations and clarification from cited case.

 

1216.01

 

Added case citation.

 

1301.01(a)(ii)

 

Added guidance regarding performing research and development, or other routine or expected activities, in the production or sale of one’s own goods.

 

1301.02(a)

 

Clarified procedure when mark would be perceived only as decoration or ornamentation when used in connection with the identified services.  Added case citation and cross reference.  Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1301.02(c)

 

Added case citation and explanation of decision regarding mark consisting of three-dimensional cylindrical cast.

 

1306.05(h)

 

Updated hyperlink.

 

1401.02(a)

 

Added information regarding upcoming Nice changes in 11th edition, version 2018.  Added cross reference.

 

1401.02(c)

 

Clarified purpose of Alphabetical List.

 

1401.03(a)

 

Revised case parenthetical.

 

1401.03(d)

 

Clarified procedures for examining identifications in §66(a) applications, particularly with regard to certification marks.

 

1401.05(a)

 

Clarified procedures regarding items sold together as a unit.

 

1401.05(d)

 

Clarified that "systems" may encompass goods in more than one class.

 

1401.08

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1401.09

 

Clarified procedures regarding classification in §66(a) applications.

 

1401.10

 

Added cross reference.

 

1401.10(a)

 

New section:  Effective Date of USPTO ID Manual Entries for Applications Filed Under §66(a)

 

1401.12(a)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1401.14(c)

 

Deleted reference to "meal replacement" item.

 

1401.14(d)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1401.14(e)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1401.14(f)

 

New section:  Ivory, Bone, Whalebone, Horn, and Tusks

 

1402.01

 

Clarified procedures regarding identifications that include wording such as "included in this class," "belonging in this class," or "excluding goods/services in other classes," or the like, and to specific class numbers.

 

1402.01(a)

 

Added cross reference.  Clarified guidance regarding punctuation in identifications.

 

1402.01(c)

 

Clarified procedures for examining identification in §66(a) applications.  Added cross reference.

 

1402.01(d)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1402.02

 

Added cross reference.

 

1402.03

 

Revised case parentheticals.  Deleted reference to "mufflers" in paragraph (3).

 

1402.03(a)

 

Clarified procedures regarding identifications that include the wording "namely," "particularly," or the like, and the term "parts."

 

1402.03(b)

 

Revised to include guidance regarding house marks for services.

 

1402.03(c)

 

Revised to include guidance regarding marks for a "full line of" services.

 

1402.03(d)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1402.03(g)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1402.05

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1402.05(a)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1402.06(a)

 

Deleted example.  Clarified that it is preferred that an identification not include phrases such as "included in this class" or "not included in other classes." 

 

1402.07(a)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1402.07(b)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1402.07(c)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1402.09

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edits.

 

1402.11

 

Updated cross reference.

 

1402.11(a)(ii)

 

Revised example.

 

1402.11(a)(v)

 

Clarified that applicant must distinguish between computer hardware and computer software when identifying installation, maintenance, and repair services.

 

1402.11(a)(vi)

 

Revised examples of acceptable identifications.

 

1402.11(a)(vii)

 

Clarified that "providing a website" does not itself indicate a definite or classifiable service because the website is merely the means by which the services are provided.

 

1402.11(a)(ix)

 

Clarified procedures for identifications that reference specific functions of an online database service.

 

1402.11(b)

 

Miscellaneous stylistic edit.

 

1402.11(e)

 

Clarified procedures for identifications for "computer consultation."

 

1402.14

 

Clarified that acceptability of identification is determined on the basis of the facts and evidence that exist on the application filing date.

 

1501

 

Clarified that applicant must meet timeliness and other requirements for filing petition to revive.  Updated rule citations.  Added cross reference.

 

1503.01

 

Added case citation.

 

1504.02

 

Added rule citation.

 

1505.01(d)

 

Clarified that petition is not required for amendments submitted as part of the statement of use.  Added cross reference.

 

1505.03(a)

 

Clarified that republication is required when application is amended from trademark or service mark to collective mark.

 

1604.11

 

Added case citation.

 

1609.02

 

Clarified that a request to add a standard character claim to a mark designated as a typed drawing must be submitted pursuant to §7(e) and meet all of the requirements for an amendment to a registration that involves a change in the mark.

 

1609.09

 

Revised section title:  Amendment of Registered Mark from Supplemental to Principal Register Not Permitted

 

1705.04

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1705.05

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1705.07

 

Clarified procedure with regard to petition signed by an excluded party.

 

1712.01

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1712.02

 

Added rule text for 37 C.F.R. §2.64, pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1712.02(a)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1712.02(b)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1712.02(b)(i)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1713.01

 

Corrected rule citation.

 

1713.02

 

Clarified procedures when applicant does not respond in time provided or did not receive the action and when response is signed by an improper party.

 

1714

 

Updated rule text pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1714.01(a)(i)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1714.01(a)(ii)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1714.01(b)

 

Updated rule citations.  Clarified procedures for multiple-basis applications.

 

1714.01(c)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1714.01(d)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1714.01(e)

 

Clarified that applicant may not assert non-receipt of the same Office action, notification, or notice of abandonment in a subsequent petition.

 

1714.01(f)(ii)(D)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1714.01(f)(ii)(E)

 

Revised deadline pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1714.01(g)

 

Updated pursuant to final rule issued at 82 FR 29401.

 

1715.03(c)

 

Revised to indicate that if opposition has been "commenced," the Board has jurisdiction.