807.03(a)    Requirements for Standard Character Drawings

A standard character drawing must show the mark in black on a white background.  An applicant may submit a standard character drawing if:

  • The mark does not include a design element;
  • All letters and words in the mark are depicted in Latin characters;
  • All numerals in the mark are depicted in Roman or Arabic numerals;
  • The mark includes only common punctuation or diacritical marks; and
  • No stylization of lettering and/or numbers is claimed in the mark.

37 C.F.R. §2.52(a).

If the applicant files an application that includes a standard character claim, TEAS will automatically convert any wording typed into the standard-character field to a standardized typeface.

Superscripts, subscripts, exponents, or other characters that are not in the USPTO’s standard character set (see TMEP §807.03(b)) are not permitted in standard character drawings.   In re AFG Indus. Inc., 17 USPQ2d 1162, 1163-64 (TTAB 1990) (holding that a special form drawing is required for a drawing featuring a raised numeral).  The degree symbol is permitted.

Underlining is not permitted in a standard character drawing.

Standard Character Claim Required.  An applicant who submits a standard character drawing must also submit the following standard character claim:

The mark consists of standard characters without claim to any particular font style, size, or color.

See 37 C.F.R. §2.52(a). This statement will be published in the Trademark Official Gazette and included on the certificate of registration.