806    Filing Basis

A filing basis is the statutory basis for filing an application for registration of a mark in the United States.  An applicant must specify and meet the requirements of one or more bases in a trademark or service mark application.  37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(5). However, omission of a specified filing basis will not prevent receipt of a filing date. Kraft Grp. LLC v. Harpole, 90 USPQ2d 1837, 1840 (TTAB 2009). 

There are five filing bases:  (1) use of a mark in commerce under §1(a) of the Trademark Act; (2) bona fide intention to use a mark in commerce under §1(b) of the Act; (3) a claim of priority, based on an earlier-filed foreign application under §44(d) of the Act; (4) ownership of a registration of the mark in the applicant’s country of origin under §44(e) of the Act; and (5) extension of protection of an international registration to the United States, under §66(a) of the Act.   See 15 U.S.C. §§1051(a)-(b), 1126(d)-(e), 1141f(a); 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a).

If a §1 or §44 application does not specify a basis, the examining attorney must require in the first Office action that the applicant specify the basis for filing and submit all the elements required for that basis.  If the applicant timely responds to the first Office action, but fails to specify a basis for filing, or fails to submit all the elements required for a particular basis, the examining attorney will issue a final Office action, if the application is otherwise in condition for final action.

In a §66(a) application, the basis for filing will have been established in the international registration on file at the IB.

See 37 C.F.R. §2.34  and TMEP §806.01–(e) for a list of the requirements for each basis for trademark or service mark applications. See also 37 C.F.R. §§2.44(a)(4)  and 2.45(a)(4), and TMEP §1303.01(a)(i)-(v), §1304.02(a)(i)-(v), and §1306.02(a)(i)-(v), for the requirements for each basis for collective and certification mark applications.

806.01    Requirements for Establishing a Basis

The requirements for establishing a basis for trademark or service mark applications are set forth in TMEP §§806.01(a)-806.01(e).  

806.01(a)    Use in Commerce - §1(a)

Under 15 U.S.C. §1051(a)  and 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(1), to establish a basis under §1(a) of the Trademark Act, the applicant must:

The Trademark Act defines "commerce" as commerce which may lawfully be regulated by Congress, and "use in commerce" as the bona fide use of a mark in the ordinary course of trade.  15 U.S.C. §1127; see TMEP §§901–901.04.

An applicant may claim both use in commerce under §1(a) of the Act and intent-to-use under §1(b) of the Act as a filing basis in the same application, but may not assert both §1(a) and §1(b) for the identical goods or services in the same application.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(b); TMEP §806.02(b).

An applicant may not claim a §1(a) basis unless the mark was in use in commerce on or in connection with all the goods or services covered by the §1(a) basis as of the application filing date.  See 37 C.F.R. §§2.2(k)(1), 2.34(a)(1)(i);  cf. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. v. Sunlyra Int’l, Inc., 35 USPQ2d 1787, 1791 (TTAB 1995) .

If the applicant claims use in commerce in addition to another filing basis, but does not specify which goods or services are covered by which basis, the USPTO may defer examination of the specimen(s) until the applicant identifies the goods or services for which use is claimed.   TMEP §806.02(c).

See TMEP §1303.01(a)(i)-(a)(i)(C), §1304.02(a)(i)-(a)(i)(C), and §1306.02(a)(i)-(a)(i)(B) for the requirements for a §1(a) basis for collective and certification mark applications.

806.01(b)    Intent-to-Use - §1(b)

In a trademark or service mark application based on 15 U.S.C. §1051(b)  and 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(2), the applicant must submit a verified statement that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce.  15 U.S.C. §1051(b)(3)(B);  37 C.F.R. §§2.2(l), 2.34(a)(2).  If the verified statement is not filed with the initial application, the verified statement must also allege that the applicant had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce as of the application filing date.  37 C.F.R. §§2.2(l), 2.34(a)(2).

Prior to registration, the applicant must file an allegation of use (i.e., either an amendment to allege use under 15 U.S.C. §1051(c)  or a statement of use under 15 U.S.C. §1051(d) ) that states that the mark is in use in commerce, and includes dates of use, the filing fee for each class, and one specimen evidencing use of the mark for each class.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.76  and TMEP §§1104–1104.11 regarding amendments to allege use, and 37 C.F.R. §2.88  and TMEP §§1109–1109.18 regarding statements of use.

Once an applicant claims a §1(b) basis for any or all of the goods or services, the applicant may not amend the application to seek registration under §1(a) of the Act for those goods or services unless the applicant files an allegation of use under §1(c) or §1(d) of the Act.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(8).

See TMEP §1303.01(a)(ii), §1304.02(a)(ii), and §1306.02(a)(ii) for the requirements for a §1(b) basis for collective and certification mark applications.

See also TMEP Chapter 1100 for additional information about intent-to-use applications.

806.01(c)    Foreign Priority - §44(d)  

Section 44(d) of the Act provides a basis for receipt of a priority filing date, but not a basis for publication or registration.  Before the application can be approved for publication, or for registration on the Supplemental Register, the applicant must establish a basis under §1(a), §1(b), or §44(e) of the Act.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(4)(iii); TMEP §1003.03.  If the applicant claims a §1(b) basis, the applicant must file an allegation of use before the mark can be registered.  See TMEP §806.01(b) regarding the requirements for a §1(b) basis.

Under 15 U.S.C. §1126(d)  and 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(4), the requirements for receipt of a priority filing date for a U.S. trademark or service mark application based on a previously filed foreign application are:

  • (1) The applicant must file a claim of priority within six months of the filing date of the foreign application.  37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(4)(i), 2.35(b)(5);
  • (2) The applicant must:  (a) specify the filing date, serial number, and country of the first regularly filed foreign application; or (b) state that the application is based upon a subsequent regularly filed application in the same foreign country, and that any prior-filed application has been withdrawn, abandoned, or otherwise disposed of, without having been laid open to public inspection and without having any rights outstanding, and has not served as a basis for claiming a right of priority.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(4)(i);  see also Paris Convention Article 4(D); and
  • (3) The applicant must verify that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce. 15 U.S.C. §1126(d)(2);  37 C.F.R. §§2.2(l), 2.34(a)(4)(ii).  This allegation is required even if use in commerce is asserted in the application. TMEP §806.02(e).  If the verified statement is not filed with the initial application, the verified statement must also allege that the applicant had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce as of the application filing date. 37 C.F.R. §§2.2(l), 2.34(a)(4)(ii).

The scope of the goods/services covered by the §44 basis in the U.S. application may not exceed the scope of the goods/services in the foreign application or registration.  37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01(b).

If an applicant properly claims a §44(d) basis in addition to another basis, the applicant may retain the priority filing date without perfecting the §44(e) basis.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3), (b)(4).  See TMEP §806.04(b) regarding processing an amendment electing not to perfect a §44(e) basis, and TMEP §806.02(f) regarding the examination of applications that claim §44(d) in addition to another basis.

See TMEP §1303.01(a)(iii), §1304.02(a)(iii), and §1306.02(a)(iii) for the requirements for a §44(d) basis for collective and certification mark applications. See also TMEP §§1003–1003.08 for further information about §44(d) applications.

806.01(d)    Foreign Registration - §44(e)

Under 15 U.S.C. §1126(e)  and 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3), the requirements for establishing a basis for registration of a trademark or service mark under §44(e), relying on a registration granted by the applicant’s country of origin, are:

  • (1) The applicant must submit a true copy, a photocopy, a certification, or a certified copy of the registration in the applicant’s country of origin, and, if the foreign registration or other certification is not in English, the applicant must provide a translation of the document.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§1004.01, 1004.01(b);
  • (2) The application must include the applicant’s verified statement that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce. 15 U.S.C. §1126(e);  37 C.F.R. §§2.2(l), 2.34(a)(3)(i).  This allegation is required even if use in commerce is asserted in the application.   TMEP §806.02(e).  If the verified statement is not filed with the initial application, the verified statement must also allege that the applicant had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce as of the application filing date.  37 C.F.R. §§2.2(l), 2.34(a)(3)(i); and
  • (3) The applicant’s country of origin must either be a party to a convention or treaty relating to trademarks to which the United States is also a party, or extend reciprocal registration rights to nationals of the United States by law.   See TMEP §§1002–1002.05.

If the applicant does not submit a certification or a certified copy of the registration from the country of origin, the applicant must submit a true copy or photocopy of a document that has been issued to the applicant by, or certified by, the intellectual property office in the applicant’s country of origin.  A photocopy of an entry in the intellectual property office’s gazette (or other official publication) or a printout from the intellectual property office’s website is not, by itself, sufficient to establish that the mark has been registered in that country and that the registration is in full force and effect.   See TMEP §1004.01.

The scope of the goods/services covered by the §44 basis in the U.S. application may not exceed the scope of the goods/services in the foreign registration.  37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §1402.01(b).

An application may be based on more than one foreign registration.  If the applicant amends an application to rely on a different foreign registration, this is not considered a change in basis; however, the application must be republished.   TMEP §1004.02.  See TMEP §§806.03–806.03(l) regarding amendments to add or substitute a basis.

See TMEP §1303.01(a)(iv), §1304.02(a)(iv), §1306.02(a)(iv)-(a)(iv)(A) for a list of the requirements for a §44(e) basis for collective and certification mark applications.

See also TMEP §§1004–1004.02 for further information about §44(e) applications.

806.01(e)    Extension of Protection of International Registration - §66(a)

Section 66(a) of the Act, 15 U.S.C. §1141f(a), provides for a request for extension of protection of an international registration to the United States.   See 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(5).  The request must include a verified statement alleging that the applicant/holder has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce that the U.S. Congress can regulate on or in connection with the goods or services specified in the international application/subsequent designation, which is verified by the applicant for, or holder of, the international registration.  37 C.F.R. §§2.33(a),(e)(1), 2.193(e)(1). The verified statement is part of the international registration on file at the IB, for a trademark or service mark application.  37 C.F.R. §2.33(e).  The IB will have established that the international registration includes this declaration before it sends the request for extension of protection to the USPTO.  Generally, the examining attorney need not review the international registration to determine whether there is a proper declaration of intent to use, or issue any inquiry regarding the initial verification of the application.  However, if the applicant voluntarily files a substitute declaration with the USPTO, it will be examined according to the same standards used for examining any other declaration.   See TMEP §804.05.

For a collective mark or certification mark application, the required verified statement is not part of the international registration on file at IB; therefore, the examining attorney must require the verified statement during examination. See 37 C.F.R. §§2.44(b)(2), 2.45(b)(2). See TMEP §§1303.01(a)(v), 1303.01(b)(ii), 1304.02(a)(v), 1304.02(b)(ii), 1306.02(a)(v), and 1306.02(b)(ii) for information regarding the verified statement for collective and certification mark applications based on §66(a).

A §66(a) applicant may not change the basis or claim more than one basis unless the applicant meets the requirements for transformation under §70(c).  37 C.F.R. §§2.34(b), 2.35(a).  See TMEP §1904.09 regarding the limited circumstances under which a §66(a) application can be transformed into an application under §1 or §44.

Section 66(a) requires transmission of a request for extension of protection by the IB to the USPTO.  Such basis may not be added or substituted as a basis in an application originally filed under §1 or §44.

Under 15 U.S.C. §1141g, Madrid Protocol Article 4(2), and 37 C.F.R. §7.27, the §66(a) applicant may claim a right of priority within the meaning of Article 4 of the Paris Convention if:

  • (1) The request for extension of protection contains a claim of priority;
  • (2) The request for extension of protection specifies the filing date, serial number, and the country of the application that forms the basis for the claim of priority; and
  • (3) The date of international registration or the date of the recordal of the subsequent designation requesting an extension of protection to the United States is not later than six months after the date of the first regular national filing (within the meaning of Article 4(A)(3) of the Paris Convention) or a subsequent application (within the meaning of Article 4(C)(4) of the Paris Convention).

See Regs. Rule 9(4)(a)(iv).

806.02    Multiple Bases

806.02(a)    Procedure for Asserting More Than One Basis  

In a §66(a) application, the applicant may not claim more than one basis.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(b).

In an application under §1 or §44 of the Trademark Act, the applicant may claim more than one basis, if the applicant satisfies all requirements for each basis claimed.  However, the applicant may not claim both §1(a) and §1(b) for identical goods or services in the same application. 37 C.F.R. §2.34(b).  The applicant must clearly indicate that more than one basis is claimed, and must separately list each basis, followed by the goods, services, or classes to which that basis applies.  If some or all of the goods or services are covered by more than one basis, this must be stated.  37 C.F.R. §§2.34(b), 2.35(b)(6).

Example:  Based on use - SHIRTS AND COATS, in Class 25; Based on intent to use - DRESSES, in Class 25.

The applicant may assert different bases for different classes, and may also assert different bases as to different goods or services within a class.

When a single class has different bases for goods or services within that class, the USPTO uses parentheses to indicate the particular basis for specific goods or services. When entering this information into the Trademark database for goods and services under §1(a) or §1(b), the examining attorney or legal instruments examiner ("LIE") must refer to "use in commerce" or "intent to use" rather than referring to the statutory citation. However, for goods and services under §44, the statutory citation must be identified.

Example:  Class 025: (Based on Use in Commerce) Pants; (Based on Intent to Use) Shirts

Example: Class 025: (Based on 44(e)) Pants

When all bases do not apply to all classes in a multiple-basis, multiple-class application, each class must include a basis notation.

Example:

Class 016: (Based on 44(e)) Printed greeting cards and printed postcards

Class 025: (Based on Use in Commerce) Shoes; (Based on Intent to Use) Shirts

Class 041: (Based on 44(e)) Entertainment, namely, live performances by a musical band

Exception: If an application has only §1(a) and §1(b) bases, and each class within the application has either a §1(a) or §1(b) basis (i.e., there are no dual bases within any class), basis notations are not required.

The applicant may claim a §44 basis in addition to either a §1(a) or a §1(b) basis for the same goods or services.  When an application has a §44 and §1(b) dual basis for the same goods or services, the §1(b) basis notation must always appear after the §44 basis notation. Further, when only some of the goods/services in a class share a dual basis under §44 and §1(b), the basis notation must appear with respect to those goods/services that share the dual bases and those that do not.

Example: Class 005: (Based on 44(e)) (Based on Intent to Use) Gene therapy products, namely, pharmaceutical preparation vectors for use in gene therapy; (Based on Intent to Use) Pharmaceutical preparations containing nucleic acids for use in the treatment of viral and bacterial infections

806.02(b)    Applicant May File Under Both §1(a) and §1(b) in the Same Application

An applicant may rely on both §1(a) and §1(b) of the Trademark Act in the same trademark or service mark application, but not for identical goods or services.  37 C.F.R. §§2.34(b); 2.86(c). However, the applicant may assert a §1(a) basis for some of the goods or services and a §1(b) basis for other goods or services in the same application.  This may occur in either a single or multiple-class application.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(b).

When the applicant asserts both §1(a) and §1(b) as bases for registration in the same application, the USPTO will publish the mark for opposition and then issue a notice of allowance (see TMEP §1106.01) if there is no successful opposition.  The goods/services/classes for which a §1(a) basis is asserted will remain in the application pending the filing and approval of a statement of use for the goods/services/classes based on §1(b), unless the applicant files a request to divide.  See TMEP §§1110–1110.11(a) regarding requests to divide applications.  If the applicant fails to timely file a statement of use or request for an extension of time to file a statement of use in response to a notice of allowance, the entire application will be abandoned, unless the applicant files a request to divide before the expiration of the deadline for filing the statement of use and notifies the examining attorney that the request has been filed.   TMEP §806.02(d).

806.02(c)    Examination of Specimens of Use in a Multiple-Basis Application  

If the applicant claims use in commerce in addition to another basis, but does not specify which goods/services/classes are covered by which basis, the USPTO may defer examination of the specimens until the applicant identifies the goods/services/classes for which use is claimed.  A proper examination of specimens requires consideration of the particular goods/services on or in connection with which the mark is used.

806.02(d)    Abandonment of Multiple-Basis Applications

In general, an application becomes abandoned if the applicant fails to take required action during the relevant statutory period. 15 U.S.C. §§1051(d)(4), 1062(b)(2), 37 C.F.R. §2.65(a), (c). In certain situations, if all refusals and/or requirements are expressly limited to certain goods/services, and the applicant fails to respond, or to respond completely, to an Office action, the application will be abandoned only as to those particular goods/services. See TMEP §718.02(a). However, if an application has multiple bases, it is not always appropriate to issue a partial-abandonment advisory because the USPTO will not abandon one of the bases in an application for failure to respond to an Office action. The applicant must submit an amendment deleting the basis or a request to divide, if appropriate. The following sections discuss when it is and is not appropriate to issue a partial-abandonment advisory in a multiple-basis application.

806.02(d)(i)    Abandonment for Failure to Respond to an Office Action

When an applicant fails to respond to an Office action in which a refusal or requirement was specifically limited to particular goods/services/classes, the examining attorney will abandon the application in part as to the particular goods/services/classes to which the refusal or requirement is limited. To the extent those goods/services/classes are the only goods/services/classes supported by one basis of multiple filing bases, the filing basis corresponding to such goods/services/classes will also be deleted from the application.

Example: An application includes "pants" (based on §1(a)) in Class 25 and "toys" (based on §1(b)) in Class 28. The examining attorney issues an Office action that clearly and explicitly limits a refusal or requirement to Class 28 and includes a partial-abandonment advisory, if otherwise appropriate. If the applicant does not respond, the examining attorney will issue an examiner’s amendment deleting (abandoning) Class 28 and the §1(b) basis. The application will be approved for publication with a basis of §1(a). If no opposition is filed, the application will proceed to issuance of a registration of the mark for "pants."

Example: An application includes "pants" (based on §1(a)) and "shoes" (based on §1(b)) in Class 25. The examining attorney issues an Office action that clearly and explicitly limits a refusal or requirement to the "pants" in Class 25 and includes a partial-abandonment advisory, if otherwise appropriate. If the applicant does not respond, the examining attorney will issue an examiner’s amendment deleting (abandoning) "pants" and the §1(a) basis. The application will be approved for publication with a basis of §1(b). If no opposition is filed, a notice of allowance for "shoes" will be issued.

See TMEP §718.02(a) regarding failure to respond to a partial refusal or requirement.

However, if the different bases apply to all goods/services within a class or to all classes, a partial-abandonment advisory must not be given. The failure to respond will result in abandonment of the entire application.

Example: An application includes "shoes and shirts" (based on §44(e) and §1(b)) in Class 25, but the foreign registration does not cover "shoes." When issuing a refusal of the §44(e) basis for "shoes," the examining attorney must not include a partial-abandonment advisory. The applicant must submit an amendment specifically deleting the §44(e) basis if it wishes to go forward under the §1(b) basis alone.

Example: An application includes "shoes and shirts" in Class 25 and "dolls" in Class 28. Both classes are based on §44(e) and §1(a). If a refusal must be issued regarding the specimen of use for Class 28, the examining attorney must not include a partial-abandonment advisory. The applicant must submit an amendment specifically deleting the §1(a) basis as to Class 28 if it wishes to go forward under the §44(e) basis alone.

If the failure to respond to the Office action was unintentional, the applicant may file a petition to revive. See TMEP §§1714–1714.01(g) regarding petitions to revive.

806.02(d)(ii)    Abandonment for Failure to Respond to a Notice of Allowance

If an applicant fails to respond to a notice of allowance that applies to some or all of the goods and/or services in a multiple-basis application, the failure to respond will result in abandonment of the entire application. The USPTO will not partially abandon the goods/services to which the §1(b) basis applies, nor will it abandon the §1(b) basis as it applies to any or all goods/services in the application. If the failure to respond was unintentional, the applicant may file a petition to revive. See TMEP §§1714–1714.01(g) regarding petitions to revive.

806.02(e)    Allegation of Bona Fide Intention to Use Mark in Commerce Required Even if Application Is Based on Both §44 and §1(a)

Any application filed under §44(d) or §44(e) must include a verified statement that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce even if §1(a) (use in commerce) is asserted as an additional filing basis.   Cf. In re Paul Wurth S.A., 21 USPQ2d 1631, 1633 (Comm’r Pats. 1991).

If an application is based on both §1(b) and §44, it is not necessary to repeat the allegation that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce.

806.02(f)    Section 44(d) Combined With Other Bases

If an applicant properly claims priority under §44(d), 15 U.S.C. §1126(d),  in addition to a §1 basis, the applicant may elect not to perfect the §44(e) basis (based on the foreign registration that will issue from the application on which the applicant relies for priority) and still retain the priority filing date.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3), (b)(4). If an applicant who elects not to perfect the §44(e) basis later wishes to add or substitute §44(e) as a basis after the mark has been published for opposition, the applicant must petition the Director to allow the examining attorney to consider the amendment. 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2); see TMEP §806.03(j).

The examining attorney must advise the applicant that it may retain the priority filing date even if it does not perfect the §44(e) basis, and inquire whether the applicant wishes to retain §44(e) as a second basis for registration.  See TMEP §806.04(b) regarding the processing of an application in which an applicant elects not to perfect a §44(e) basis, and TMEP §1003.04(b) regarding the procedures to follow when an applicant claims priority under §44(d) in addition to another basis.

806.02(g)    Not Necessary to Repeat Allegation of Bona Fide Intention to Use Mark in Commerce in Multiple-Basis Application

If an application is based on both §1(b) and §44, it is not necessary to repeat the allegation that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce.  Therefore, when an applicant adds or substitutes §1(b) or §44 as a filing basis, it is not necessary to submit a new verification of the applicant’s bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce if there is already one in the record with respect to the goods or services covered by the new basis.

806.03    Amendments to Add or Substitute a Basis

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)–(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).

806.03(b)    Applicant May Add or Substitute a §44(d) Basis Only Within Six-Month Priority Period

An applicant may add or substitute a §44(d) basis only during the six-month priority period following the filing date of the foreign application.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(5).  See TMEP §806.02(f) regarding §44(d) combined with another basis.

806.03(c)    Amendment From §1(a) to §1(b)

In an application filed under §1(a), if the §1(a) basis fails, either because the specimens are unacceptable or because the mark was not in use in commerce when the application was filed, the applicant may substitute §1(b) as a basis and the application will retain the original filing date.  The USPTO will presume that the applicant had a continuing valid basis unless there is contradictory evidence in the record.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3).

Although there is a presumption of a continuing valid basis, when amending from §1(a) to §1(b) in a trademark or service mark application, the applicant must confirm the presumption by submitting a verified statement that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce, and that the applicant had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce as of the application filing date.  15 U.S.C. §1051(b)(3)(B); 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(2). See TMEP §§1303.01(b)(i), 1304.02(b)(i), and 1306.02(b)(i) for the verified statement for a §1(b) application for collective and certification marks.

If the applicant wishes to substitute §1(b) as a basis after publication of an application filed under §1(a) that is not the subject of an inter partes proceeding before the TTAB, the applicant must petition the Director to allow the examining attorney to consider the amendment.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2). In a multiple-basis application, if a notice of allowance has issued for those goods/services/classes based on §1(b), the petition will not be granted unless a request to divide the application is submitted with the petition. The goods/services/classes to be amended from §1(a) to §1(b) must be divided out in order to process the amendment because republication is required. 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2). The petitioner may include all the goods/services/classes based on §1(a) in the child application or only those to which the amendment to §1(b) applies. If dividing within a class, in addition to the fee for filing a request to divide, an application filing fee is required. See 37 C.F.R. §2.87  and TMEP §§1110–1110.11(a) regarding requests to divide applications.

The amendment of an application that is the subject of an inter partes proceeding before the TTAB is governed by 37 C.F.R. §2.133(a).

Note that in a §1(b) application, once an applicant has filed a statement of use, the applicant may not withdraw the statement of use.  37 C.F.R. §2.88(f); TMEP §1109.17.  Thus, an applicant may not amend the basis from §1(a) to §1(b) after a statement of use has been filed.  See TMEP § 1104.11 regarding withdrawing an amendment to allege use.

See TMEP §§806.03(j)–806.03(j)(iii) regarding amendment of the basis after publication.

806.03(d)    Amendment From §44 to §1(b)

An applicant may amend the basis from §44 to §1(b).  The USPTO will presume that the applicant had a continuing valid basis, unless there is contradictory evidence in the record, because the applicant had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce as of the application filing date.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3).   Karsten Mfg. Corp. v. Editoy AG, 79 USPQ2d 1783, 1789-90 (TTAB 2006) .  It is not necessary to submit a new verification of the applicant’s bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce if such a verification is already in the record with respect to the goods/services covered by the new basis.   See TMEP §806.03(i).

Applicant must clearly indicate whether it wants to:  (1) add the §1(b) basis and maintain the §44 basis; or (2) replace the §44 basis with the §1(b) basis.

In a §44(d) application, the applicant may substitute §1(b) as a basis and still retain the priority filing date.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3), (b)(4); TMEP §806.03(h).  If the applicant chooses to add the §1(b) basis and maintain the §44 basis, the examining attorney must not approve the mark for publication until the applicant files a copy of the foreign registration.   See TMEP §§806.02(f), 1003.04(b).

See TMEP §806.03(j) regarding amendment of the basis after publication.

806.03(e)    Allegation of Use Required to Amend From §1(b) to §1(a)

An applicant who claims a §1(b) basis for any or all of the goods or services may not amend the application to seek registration under §1(a) of the Act for those goods or services, unless the applicant files an allegation of use.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(8).  See TMEP §§1103, 1104–1104.11, and 1109–1109.18 regarding allegations of use.

806.03(f)    Use in Commerce as of Application Filing Date Required to Add or Substitute §1(a) as a Basis in §44 Application

An applicant may add or substitute a basis only if the applicant meets all the requirements for the new basis.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(1).  Therefore, an applicant may not amend a §44 application to claim a §1(a) basis unless the applicant:  (1) verifies that the mark is in use in commerce and was in use in commerce as of the application filing date; (2) provides a specimen, with a verified statement that the specimen was in use in commerce as of the application filing date; and (3) supplies the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in commerce of the mark.  15 U.S.C. §1051(a); 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(1), 2.59(a), 2.71(c)(1); TMEP §§806.01(a), 806.03(i), 903.01, 903.02, 903.04, 904.05.  

If an applicant began using the mark in commerce after the application filing date, the applicant may not add or substitute §1(a) as a basis.  However, the applicant may add or substitute §1(b) as a basis, and concurrently file an amendment to allege use.  See TMEP §806.03(d) regarding amendment of the basis from §44 to §1(b), and TMEP §§1104–1104.11 regarding amendments to allege use.

806.03(g)    Amendment From §1(b) to §44

An applicant may amend the basis from §1(b) to §44, if the applicant meets the requirements of §44 as of the filing date of the amendment.  It is not necessary to submit a new verification of the applicant’s bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce if such verification is already in the record with respect to the goods/services covered by the new basis.   See TMEP §806.03(i).

When an applicant adds §44(e) as a basis, the applicant must submit a copy of the foreign registration (and an English translation, if necessary) with the amendment.  37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§1004.01, 1004.01(b).

The applicant may add a claim of priority under §44(d) only within the six-month priority period following the filing date of the foreign application.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(5).  See TMEP §806.02(f) regarding §44(d) combined with another basis.

If the amendment is filed before publication, the applicant must clearly indicate whether it wants to:  (1) add the §44 basis and maintain the §1(b) basis; or (2) replace the §1(b) basis with the §44 basis.  If the applicant chooses to add §44 and maintain the §1(b) basis, the application will proceed to publication with a dual basis.  See TMEP §§806.03(j)–806.03(j)(iii) regarding amendment of the basis after publication.

806.03(h)    Effect of Substitution of Basis on Application Filing Date

When the applicant substitutes one basis for another, the applicant must meet the requirements for the new basis.  The applicant will retain the original filing date, provided that the applicant had a continuing valid basis for registration since the application filing date.  Unless there is contradictory evidence in the record, the USPTO will presume that there was a continuing valid basis for registration.   See 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3); Kraft Grp. LLC v. Harpole, 90 USPQ2d 1837, 1841 (TTAB 2009) ; Karsten Mfg. Corp. v. Editoy AG, 79 USPQ2d 1783, 1789-90 (TTAB 2006) .

If the applicant properly asserts a claim of priority under §44(d) during the six-month priority period, the applicant will retain the priority filing date, no matter which basis for registration is ultimately established, provided that the applicant had a continuing valid basis for registration. See 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(3)-(4); TMEP §§806.02(f), 1003, 1003.04(b).

If there is no continuing valid basis, the application is void, and registration will be refused.  In this situation, the applicant may not amend the filing date, and the USPTO will not refund the filing fee.   See TMEP §205.

806.03(i)    Verification of Amendment Required

An applicant who adds or substitutes use in commerce under §1(a) as a basis in a trademark or service mark application must verify that the mark is in use in commerce on or in connection with the goods/services covered by the §1(a) basis, and that the mark was in use in commerce on or in connection with these goods/services as of the application filing date.   See 37 C.F.R. §§2.2(k)(1), 2.34(a)(1)(i), 2.35(b)(1). See TMEP §1303.01(b)(i), §1304.02(b)(i), and §1306.02(b)(i) for the verification wording for a §1(a) basis for a collective or certification mark application.

An applicant who adds or substitutes §1(b), §44(d), or §44(e) as a basis in a trademark or service mark application must verify that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the goods/services covered by the amendment, and that the applicant had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with these goods/services as of the application filing date, unless a verified statement of the applicant’s bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce has already been filed with respect to all the goods/services covered by the new basis.   See 37 C.F.R. §§2.2(l), 2.34(a)(2), (a)(3)(i), (a)(4)(ii), 2.35(b)(1). See TMEP §1303.01(b)(i), §1304.02(b)(i), and §1306.02(b)(i) for the verification wording for a §1(b), §44(d), or §44(e) basis for a collective or certification mark application.

Example:  If a §44 application originally included a verified statement that the applicant had a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce, it is not necessary to repeat this statement if the applicant later adds or substitutes a §1(b) basis for the goods/services covered by the §44 basis.

See TMEP §804.04 regarding persons who may sign a verification on behalf of an applicant under 37 C.F.R. §2.193(e)(1).

806.03(j)    Petition to Amend Basis After Publication - §1 or §44 Application

37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2) 

After publication, an applicant may add or substitute a basis in an application that is not the subject of an inter partes proceeding before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, but only with the express permission of the Director, after consideration on petition.  Republication will be required.  The amendment of an application that is the subject of an inter partes proceeding before the Board is governed by §2.133(a).

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 petition the Director to allow the examining attorney to consider the amendment.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2).  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 TBMP §514).

When granting a petition to amend the basis, the Director will restore jurisdiction to the examining attorney to consider the amendment, except in a §1(b) application in which the notice of allowance has issued.  See TMEP §806.03(j)(ii) regarding amendment of the basis of a §1(b) application after issuance of a notice of allowance and before filing of statement of use.

If the examining attorney accepts the new basis, the mark must be republished to provide notice to third parties who may wish to oppose registration based on issues that arise in connection with the new basis.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2).

If the examining attorney does not accept the new basis, he or she will issue an Office action using standard examination procedures except in a §1(b) application in which a notice of allowance has issued and no statement of use has been filed.  See TMEP §806.03(j)(ii) regarding amendment of the basis of a §1(b) application after issuance of a notice of allowance and before filing of statement of use.   

Any petition to change the basis must be filed before issuance of the registration.  To avoid the possible issuance of a registration without consideration of the petition, an applicant should submit the petition no later than six weeks after publication.

The Director will not grant a petition to amend the basis after publication if the amendment could substantially delay prosecution of the application.  For example, the Director will deny petitions to amend the basis after publication in the following situations:

  • Once the Director has granted a petition to amend the basis after publication, the Director will not thereafter grant a second petition to amend the basis with respect to the same application.
  • If an applicant had previously deleted a §1(b) basis after a notice of allowance had issued, the Director will not grant a petition to re-assert §1(b) as a basis for registration.  This would require issuance of a new notice of allowance and could result in filing of a statement of use more than 36 months after issuance of the first notice of allowance, which is not permitted under §1(d) of the Act, 15 U.S.C.  §1051(d).

See TMEP §806.03(j)(i) regarding amendment of the basis in a §1(b) application between publication and issuance of a notice of allowance, and §806.03(j)(ii) regarding amendment of the basis in a §1(b) application after issuance of a notice of allowance and before filing of statement of use.

Petitions to amend the basis after publication are processed by the Office of Petitions, which is part of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy.

806.03(j)(i)    Amending the Basis of a §1(b) Application After Publication But Before Issuance of Notice of Allowance

An applicant who wants to add or substitute a §44(e) basis to a §1(b) application after publication must petition the Director to allow the examining attorney to consider the amendment.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2); TMEP §806.03(j).  The applicant must submit a copy of the foreign registration (and an English translation, if necessary) with the petition. 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§ 1004.01, 1004.01(b). If the petition is granted, the mark must be republished. 37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2); TMEP § 806.03(j).

The petition must indicate whether applicant wants to delete or retain the §1(b) basis.  The applicant has two options:

  • (1) Applicant may request to delete the §1(b) basis and substitute §44(e) if the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis.  If the petition is granted, the examining attorney will be instructed to examine the §44(e) basis in accordance with standard examination procedures and to delete the §1(b) basis if the §44(e) basis is accepted.  If the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis, the examining attorney must ensure that: (a) the §1(b) basis is deleted, (b) the foreign registration information is entered into the Trademark database, and (c) the application is scheduled for republication. If registration of the mark is not successfully opposed, a registration will issue.  If the examining attorney does not accept the §44(e) basis, the examining attorney will issue an Office action notifying the applicant of the reason(s).  The applicant may elect to withdraw the amendment adding the §44(e) basis and proceed under §1(b) as the sole basis without republication; or
  • (2) Applicant may request to add §44(e) and retain the §1(b) basis. If the petition is granted, the examining attorney will be instructed to examine the §44(e) basis in accordance with standard examination procedures. If the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis, the examining attorney must ensure that: (a) the foreign registration information is entered into the Trademark database and (b) the application is scheduled for republication with a dual basis. If registration of the mark is not successfully opposed, a notice of allowance will issue.  If the examining attorney does not accept the §44(e) basis, the examining attorney will issue an Office action notifying the applicant of the reason(s).  The applicant may elect to withdraw the amendment adding the §44(e) basis and proceed under §1(b) as the sole basis without republication.

806.03(j)(ii)    Amending the Basis of a §1(b) Application Between Issuance of Notice of Allowance and Filing of Statement of Use

An applicant who wants to add or substitute a §44(e) basis in a §1(b) application after issuance of the notice of allowance and before filing a statement of use must file the "Petition to Change the Filing Basis After Publication" TEAS form to allow the examining attorney to consider the amendment. The applicant must submit a copy of the foreign registration (and an English translation, if necessary) with the petition. See 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§ 1004.01, 1004.01(b). If the petition is granted, the mark must be republished.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2); TMEP §806.03(j).

The Director will not grant a petition to amend the basis to §44(e) after issuance of the notice of allowance and before the filing of a statement of use if the foreign registration does not include all of the classes covered by the §1(b) basis, unless the applicant concurrently files: (1) a request to divide out the goods/services/classes to which the amendment applies or (2) an amendment deleting the goods/services/classes not covered by the amendment. See 37 C.F.R. §2.87  and TMEP §§1110–1110.11 regarding requests to divide. Also, if it is otherwise necessary to amend the identification in the U.S. application to conform to the scope of the identification in the foreign registration, the applicant should submit the amendment with the petition to expedite processing.

The Director will not grant a petition to add §44(e) and retain the §1(b) basis after issuance of the notice of allowance unless a statement of use is filed with the petition.

Therefore, the applicant has three options:

  • (1) Request to delete the §1(b) basis and substitute §44(e). The applicant may request to delete the §1(b) basis and substitute §44(e).  If the petition is granted, the Office of Petitions will have the notice of allowance cancelled and instruct the examining attorney to examine the §44(e) basis in accordance with standard examination procedures.  If the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis, the examining attorney must ensure that: (a) the §1(b) basis is deleted; (b) the foreign registration information is entered into the Trademark database; and (c) the application is scheduled for republication. However, if the record indicates that the foreign registration has expired or will expire within six months, the examining attorney must require proof of renewal. If the applicant states that renewal is pending in the foreign country, the examining attorney must suspend the application pending receipt of proof of renewal. See TMEP §1004.01(a) regarding the status of the foreign registration. If the examining attorney does not accept the new basis, the examining attorney will issue an Office action advising the applicant of the reasons.  The applicant cannot re-assert the §1(b) basis.
  • (2) Request to add §44(e) and perfect the §1(b) basis by filing a statement of use. The applicant may request to add §44(e) and perfect the §1(b) basis by filing a statement of use with the petition.  If the petition is granted, the examining attorney will examine the §44(e) basis during examination of the statement of use. If the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis and the statement of use, the examining attorney must ensure that: (a) the foreign registration information is entered into the Trademark database and (b) the application is scheduled for republication with a dual basis. However, if the record indicates that the foreign registration has expired or will expire within six months, the examining attorney must require proof of renewal. If the applicant states that renewal is pending in the foreign country, the examining attorney must suspend the application pending receipt of proof of renewal. See TMEP §1004.01(a) regarding the status of the foreign registration. If the examining attorney does not accept the §44(e) basis or the statement of use, the examining attorney will issue an Office action notifying the applicant of the reason(s). The applicant may elect to withdraw the amendment adding the §44(e) basis and, if the statement of use is acceptable, proceed to registration under §1(a) as the sole basis without republication. If the statement of use is not acceptable, but the §44(e) basis is, the applicant may elect to proceed under §44(e) as the sole basis with republication.
  • (3) Request to substitute §44(e) but retain the §1(b) basis until the §44(e) basis is accepted. The applicant may request to substitute a §44(e) basis and request that the §1(b) basis be deleted only if the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis.  Applicants who request to retain the §1(b) basis pending acceptance of the §44(e) basis must also file a request for extension of time to file a statement of use when due (or a statement of use) or the application will be abandoned. See 37 C.F.R. §2.89.

    If the petition is granted, the examining attorney will be instructed to examine the §44(e) basis in accordance with standard examination procedures. If the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis, the examining attorney must ensure that: (a) the notice of allowance is cancelled, (b) the §1(b) basis is deleted, (c) the foreign registration information is entered into the Trademark database, and (d) the application is scheduled for republication.  

    If the examining attorney does not accept the §44(e) basis, or if the foreign registration has expired or will expire within six months, the examining attorney is unable to issue an Office action since the notice of allowance is still pending. Therefore, the examining attorney will attempt to notify the applicant by telephone or email of the reasons why the amendment is unacceptable. The applicant may then (1) agree to delete the §1(b) basis so that the notice of allowance can be cancelled and an examiner's amendment and/or appropriate Office action regarding the requested basis amendment can be issued, (2) withdraw the request to amend the basis to §44(e), or (3) request that the amendment remain pending until a statement of use is filed. The examining attorney must also enter an appropriate Note to the File in the record that states the reason(s) why the amendment is not acceptable. If the examining attorney is unable to reach the applicant, no further action will be taken on the amendment until a statement of use is filed or the applicant contacts the examining attorney with a request to delete the §1(b) basis so an Office action can be issued.

See also 37 C.F.R. §2.77; TMEP §§1107–1107.01.

806.03(j)(iii)      Amending the Basis of a §1(b) Application After Filing of Statement of Use But Before Approval for Registration

An applicant who wants to add or substitute a §44(e) basis after filing a statement of use must petition the Director to allow the examining attorney to consider the amendment.  The applicant must submit a copy of the foreign registration (and an English translation, if necessary) with the petition. See 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(3)(ii); TMEP §§ 1004.01, 1004.01(b). If the petition is granted, the mark must be republished.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(2); TMEP §806.03(j).

While an applicant may not withdraw the statement of use (37 C.F.R. §2.88(f); TMEP §1109.17), the applicant may elect not to perfect the use basis and instead substitute §44(e).  The statement of use, specimen(s), and any materials submitted with the statement of use will remain part of the record even if the §1(b) basis is deleted. See 37 C.F.R. §2.25.

If the examining attorney accepts the §44(e) basis and the applicant is not perfecting the statement of use, the examining attorney must ensure that:  (a) the §1(b) basis is deleted, (b) the dates of use are deleted, (c) the foreign registration information is entered into the Trademark database, and (d) the mark is scheduled for republication.  If the mark is not successfully opposed, a registration will issue.

If the examining attorney does not accept the §44(e) basis, the examining attorney will issue an Office action notifying the applicant of the reason(s) and address any additional issue(s) that arise during examination of the statement of use. If an Office action has already been issued, the examining attorney must issue a supplemental action, with a new three-month response period, notifying the applicant that the §44 basis is unacceptable. See TMEP §711.03 regarding supplemental Office actions. The examining attorney must indicate that the action is supplemental to the previous action and incorporate all outstanding issues by reference to the previous action.  The applicant may choose to withdraw the request to amend the §44(e) basis.

Filing a petition to add or substitute a §44(e) basis does not relieve the applicant of the duty to file a response to an outstanding Office action or to take any other action required in an application.  See TMEP §§711–711.03 regarding the deadline for response to an Office action.  If the applicant has filed a petition to delete the §1(b) basis and substitute §44(e), but the petition has not yet been acted on, the applicant may respond to an outstanding refusal or requirement by informing the examining attorney that a petition has been filed to substitute §44(e).  The applicant must also respond to any outstanding issues regarding the statement of use unless the applicant no longer intends to perfect the statement of use.

806.03(k)    Basis May Not Be Changed in §66(a) Application

In a §66(a) application, the applicant may not 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).  See TMEP §§1904.09–1904.09(b) regarding transformation.

806.03(l)    §66(a) Basis May Not Be Added to §1 or §44 Application

Section 66(a) requires transmission of a request for extension of protection by the IB to the USPTO.  Such basis may not be added or substituted as a basis in an application originally filed under §1 or §44.

806.04    Deleting a Basis

If an applicant claims more than one basis, the applicant may delete a basis at any time, before or after publication.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(1).  No petition to the Director is required to delete a basis from a multiple-basis application after publication.  When the applicant deletes a basis, the applicant must also delete the goods/services/classes covered solely by that basis.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(7).

806.04(a)    Deletion of §1(b) Basis After Publication or Issuance of the Notice of Allowance

If all of the goods/services/classes in an application are based on §1(b) and §44(e), the applicant may file a request to delete the §1(b) basis by amendment at any time, except as set forth below.  37 C.F.R. §2.35(b)(1).  No petition to the Director is required to delete a §1(b) basis from a multiple-basis application after publication.  To request to delete a §1(b) basis after publication or issuance of the notice of allowance, use the "Request to Delete §1(b) Basis, Intent-to-Use" TEAS form.

If the application has some goods/services/classes based solely on §1(b) and some goods/services/classes based solely on §1(a) or §44(e), and the applicant wants to delete the §1(b) goods/services/classes after publication or issuance of the notice of allowance, the applicant must submit a post-publication amendment requesting the deletion and that the application proceed to registration for the other goods/services/classes that are not based on §1(b).  To request to delete the §1(b) goods/services/classes, use the "Post-Approval/Publication/Post-Notice of Allowance (NOA) Amendment" TEAS form.  For further information on filing post-publication amendments, see TMEP §1505.

If a notice of allowance has issued, the request must be filed:  (1) within six months of the issuance date of the notice of allowance, (2) within a previously granted extension of time to file a statement of use, or (3) between the filing date of the statement of use and the date on which the examining attorney approves the mark for registration.  The ITU Unit will cancel the notice of allowance, and take the necessary steps to delete the §1(b) basis and schedule the issuance of the registration.

806.04(b)    Retention of §44(d) Priority Filing Date Without Perfecting §44(e) Basis

If an applicant properly claims §44(d) in addition to another basis, the applicant may elect not to perfect a §44(e) basis and still retain the §44(d) priority filing date.  37 C.F.R. §§2.35(b)(3) -(4); TMEP §§806.01(c), 806.02(f).

When a §44(d) applicant elects not to proceed to registration under §44(e), the USPTO does not delete the §44(d) priority claim from the Trademark database.  Both the §44(d) priority claim and the other basis will remain in the Trademark database.

Sometimes, a §44(d) applicant who elects not to perfect a §44(e) basis will file an amendment "deleting" the §44 basis.  In this situation, the USPTO will presume that the applicant wants to retain the priority claim, unless the applicant specifically states that it wants to delete the priority claim and instead rely on the actual filing date of the application in the United States.

If the applicant is not entitled to priority (e.g., because the United States application was not filed within six months of the foreign filing), the examining attorney must ensure that the priority claim is deleted from the Trademark database, and must conduct a new search of USPTO records for conflicting marks.

806.05    Review of Basis Prior to Publication or Issue

If an application claims more than one basis, the examining attorney must ensure that the record clearly and accurately shows which goods are covered by which basis before approving the application for publication for opposition or registration on the Supplemental Register.  If there are any errors, the examining attorney must ensure that the Trademark database is corrected.

See TMEP § 806.02(a) for information regarding entering multiple bases in the Trademark database when the applicant asserts different bases for different classes, or different bases as to different goods or services within a class.