How to read a USPTO record

Serial number

The eight-digit number the USPTO assigns to an application when it is filed. It is the identity of the record on TSDR and in Archecura. Registrations also get a registration number; the serial never changes.

TSDR

Trademark Status and Document Retrieval, the USPTO's public system for the status and history of a mark. Archecura reads the status view by serial number and keeps the raw page next to the parsed record.

§1(a) and §1(b)

The filing basis. §1(a) means the mark is already used in commerce; §1(b) means intent to use. A §1(b) application must file an allegation of use before it registers, and cannot be assigned before that without voiding it.

Office action

A letter from the examining attorney refusing or requiring something. The response is due three months from the issue date; one three-month extension can be requested before the deadline, for a fee. No response means abandonment.

Publication and opposition

An approved application is published in the Official Gazette. Third parties have thirty days to oppose or ask for more time, up to 180 days in total. The window closing is a docket event; an instituted opposition is a proceeding before the TTAB.

Notice of allowance and statement of use

For §1(b) applications, the notice of allowance opens a six-month period to file a statement of use showing the mark in commerce. Up to five six-month extensions, each with a fee; 36 months in all.

§8 declaration

Between the fifth and sixth year after registration, the owner declares the mark is still in use (or excusable nonuse) for the registered goods and services. Six-month grace period with a surcharge. Missing it cancels the registration.

§15 declaration

After five consecutive years of use, a Principal Register registration can be declared incontestable. It is not a deadline; it is usually filed with the §8.

§9 renewal

Between the ninth and tenth year, and every ten years after, the registration is renewed with a combined §8 and §9 filing. Six-month grace period. Missing it expires the registration.

Statutory and effective date

The statutory date is the one the rule sets. If it falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday in Washington, DC, the filing is timely on the next business day (37 CFR 2.196); that is the effective date. Archecura shows both and reminds off the statutory one.

Specimen

Evidence of the mark in use in commerce for a class: a label, a product page, a storefront. Required with a §1(a) application, a statement of use, and each §8 declaration. Archecura records the URL, the capture time, and what it shows, per class.

Quality control (licensing)

A licensor must control the nature and quality of the goods or services sold under its mark. A license with no control can be treated as a naked license and lead to loss of rights. Archecura keeps a review calendar per license.

Archecura is a software tool for organizing trademark records and deadlines. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, representation, or filing services. Information here is drawn from public USPTO records and general educational material; it may be incomplete or out of date. Consult a licensed attorney before acting on it.