711.01(a)    Requirements for Request for Extension of Time to Respond

A complete request for an extension of time to respond must include: (1) a written request for an extension from the applicant, filed before the expiration of the three-month response period; and (2) payment of the fee required by 37 C.F.R §2.6(a)(28).

Applicants must file the request for an extension of time to respond through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) at https://teas.uspto.gov, unless an exception to the requirement to file electronically applies. See 37 C.F.R §§2.23(a), 2.62(c); TMEP §301.01. See TMEP §301.02 regarding the limited exceptions for paper submissions.

The TEAS Request for Extension of Time to File a Response form must be used for this purpose. The submission must be properly signed by someone with firsthand knowledge of the facts pertaining to the request for an extension of time to respond. See TMEP §611.03(a) regarding who can sign a verification.

Any request for an extension of time to respond that is not accompanied by the applicable fee, or any request filed using a form other than the TEAS Request for Extension of Time to File a Response form, will be treated as a non-responsive communication and given no effect. See TMEP §301.01(b) regarding TEAS availability and §719 for information about non-responsive communications.