There are a number of procedures to accelerate trademark and patent applications before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
Trademarks may be accelerated by two methods. Consider the minimum requirements for post-registration maintenance:
If these deadlines are missed, there is no opportunity to revive the registration. A new application must be filed. However, accelerated examination may be requested with no extra fee under TMEP 702.02. However, the application must be for the identical mark and the goods/services must be the same or narrower.
A second method (TMEP 1710) of accelerating trademarks requires a $100 fee and a showing of cause such as (1) threatened infringement; (2) pending litigation; (3) basis for securing foreign registration. Insufficient reasons for accelerating under this basis are (1) forthcoming advertising campaign; (2) substantial investment; and/or (3) situations that apply to a substantial number of applicants.
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