Source: http://trademarkoppositionprocess.com/miscchangestottabruleseffective2017.html
Timestamp: 2017-03-27 12:27:37
Document Index: 65086988

Matched Legal Cases: ['art%20', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', 'art 2']

Miscellaneous Changes to TTAB Rules
Miscellaneous Changes to Trademark Trial and Appeal
Board Rules 81 Fed. Reg. 69950 (October 7, 2016),
Summary by Rule Number (Extracted from https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Chart%20Summarizing%20Rule%20Changes%2010-7-16.pdf?utm_campaign=subscriptioncenter&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= and also https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/81%20FR%2069950.pdf) SUMMARY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (‘‘USPTO’’ or ‘‘Office’’) is amending the Trademark Rules of Practice (‘‘Trademark Rules’’ or ‘‘Rules’’), in particular the rules pertinent to practice before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (‘‘Board’’), to benefit the public by providing for more efficiency and clarity in inter partes and ex parte proceedings. Certain amendments are directed to reducing the burden on the parties, to conforming the rules to current practice, to updating references that have changed, to reflecting technologic changes, and to ensuring the usage of standard, current terminology. This final rule also furthers strategic objectives of the Office to increase end-to-end electronic processing. Executive Summary: Purpose: The amendments to the rules emphasize the efficiency of electronic filing, which is already utilized by most parties in Board proceedings. In particular, all submissions will be filed through the Board’s online filing system, the Electronic System for Trademark Trials and Appeals (‘‘ESTTA’’) (available at http://www.uspto.gov), except in certain limited circumstances. To simplify proceedings, the Office is resuming service requirements for notices of opposition, petitions for cancellation, and concurrent use proceedings, and is requiring parties to serve all other submissions and papers by email. The amended rules promote other efficiencies in proceedings, such as imposing discovery limitations, and allowing parties to take testimony by affidavit or declaration, with the option for oral cross-examination. The proportionality requirement implemented in the 2015 amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is expressly reflected in the Board’s amended rules, which in part adapt to recent changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure while taking into account the administrative nature of Board proceedings. Other amendments address the Board’s standard protective order and codify recent case law, including the submission of internet materials. Recognition of remote attendance at oral hearings is codified, and new requirements for notification to the Office and the Board when review by way of civil action is taken are added in order to avoid premature termination of a Board proceeding. The amendments also make minor changes to correct or update certain rules so that they clearly reflect current Board practice and terminology. Rule(s)
All Effective January 14, 2017 for all cases (including cases pending prior to 1/14/17)
Global ADDS: reserved rules §§ 2.94, 2.95, 2.97, 2.102(e), 2.103(e), 2.143
UPDATES: as necessary renumbering, cross references to the Trademark Rules of
Practice and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
AMENDS: “paper” to “submissions”; “examiner” to “examining attorney”; “notification”
to “notice of institution” or “notice”; “e-mail” to “email”; “Patent and Trademark Office”
to “United States Patent and Trademark Office”; “his” to “his or her” or “its”; “him” to
DELETES: as necessary the word “written”
AMENDS: response and reply briefing deadlines for motions from 15 to 20 days
AMENDS: “Assignment Services Division” to “Assignment Recordation Branch”
2.99(d)(1), (2) and (3) ADDS: In (d)(1) the rule now provides that the Board’s notice of institution will include
a web link or web address to the concurrent use application proceeding in the Board’s
database of electronic case files (TTABVUE). DELETES: In (d)(1) the requirement for
a concurrent use applicant (plaintiff) to serve the concurrent use application on the
applicant, registrant or user specified as a concurrent user (defendant). AMENDS: The wording in (d)(2) and (3) is amended to add clarity. Opposition 2.101(a) and (b)
DELETES: The requirement for a plaintiff to serve the complaint and provide proof of
service thereof. 2.101(b)(1), (2) and (3) ADDS: All notices of opposition must be filed through ESTTA. Paper filing of the notice
of opposition against Section 1 or 44 applications only allowed when ESTTA is
unavailable due to technical problems or when extraordinary circumstances are
present. Paper filings must be accompanied by a Petition to the Director under § 2.146
with fees therefor. Oppositions against Section 66(a) applications MUST be filed
through ESTTA - no exceptions. 2.101(c) AMENDS: (d)(1) is redesignated as last sentence in (c). 2.101(d) AMENDS: (d)(2) is redesignated as (d). CLARIFIES: Oppositions filed in ESTTA
cannot be filed without proper fee. ADDS: Paper opposition not accompanied by
required fee sufficient to pay in full for each named party opposer for each class
opposed may not be instituted. DELETES: Hierarchy of instituting opposition with
insufficient fees. 2.101(e) AMENDS: (d)(4) is redesignated as (e). ADDS: Filing date is date of electronic receipt
of the notice of opposition. DELETES: Requirement for proof of service to receive filing
date. ADDS: Paper filing date determined in accordance with §§ 2.195-2.198. 2.102(a)(1) and (2) ADDS: Request for extension of time to file notice of opposition must be filed through
ESTTA. Paper filing of a request to extend time to oppose Section 1 or 44 applications
only allowed when ESTTA is unavailable due to technical problems or when
extraordinary circumstances are present. Paper filings must be accompanied by a
Petition to the Director under § 2.146 with fees therefor. AMENDS: Moves sentence
that provides that requests to extend opposition period against Section 66(a)
applications MUST be filed through ESTTA, no exceptions, from § 2.102(a)(2) to
§ 2.102(a)(1). 2.102(b) AMENDS: The word “should” is replaced with “must.” 2.102(c)(1), (2) and (3) ADDS: A sixty-day extension is not available as a first extension of time to oppose.
After extensions totaling 90 days, and only one final request for a 60-day extension of
the opposition period based upon written consent, stipulation or a showing of
extraordinary circumstances, no other time period will be allowed. 2.102(d) ADDS: New subsection providing filing date is date of electronic receipt of the
extension request or for paper filing determined in accordance with §§ 2.195-2.198. 2.104(a) ADDS: Clarifies that ESTTA requires selection of relevant grounds, and the required
accompanying statement (complaint) supports and explains the grounds. 2.104(c) ADDS: New subsection provides that oppositions to Section 66(a) applications are
limited to the goods, services and grounds set forth on ESTTA cover sheet. 2.105(a) DELETES: Requirement that plaintiff provide proof of service of the complaint on
defendant. ADDS: The notice of institution sent by the Board will include a web link or
web address to access the electronic proceeding record in the Board’s database of
electronic case files (TTABVUE), and that notice constitutes service of the notice of
opposition on the applicant. 2.105(b)(1), (2) and (3);
2.105(c)(1), (2) and (3) ADDS: Notice will be sent to the email or correspondence address of record for
opposers and applicants. 2.106(a) ADDS: Default may occur after the time to answer is reset, and the failure to file a
timely answer tolls all deadlines, including the discovery conference. 2.106(b)(1), (2) and (3) ADDS: New subsection (1) requires that answers must be filed through ESTTA and
paper filing is allowed only when ESTTA is unavailable due to technical problems or
extraordinary circumstances are present. Paper filing must be accompanied by a
Petition to the Director under § 2.146 with the fees therefor. AMENDS: Specifies in
redesignated subsection (2) that a reply to an affirmative defense shall not be filed,
and new subsection (3) requires an applicant to promptly inform the Board of the filing
of another related proceeding. Subsection (3)(iv) clarifies that the Board may reset
times as it may deem necessary. 2.107(a) ADDS: An opposition against a Section 1 or 44 application may not be amended to
add a joint opposer. 2.107(b) ADDS: An opposition against a Section 66(a) application may not be amended to add
a joint opposer and the grounds, goods, services, and named opposers are limited to
those identified in the ESTTA cover sheet. Cancellation
2.111(a) and (b)
DELETES: The requirement for plaintiff to serve the complaint on the defendant and
to provide proof of service thereof. 2.111(c)(1) and (2) ADDS: A petition for cancellation must be filed through ESTTA. Paper filing is only
allowed when ESTTA is unavailable due to technical problems, or when extraordinary
circumstances are present. Paper filing must be accompanied by a Petition to the
Director under § 2.146 with the fees therefor. Timeliness of paper petition will be
determined in accordance with §§ 2.195-2.198. DELETES: Hierarchy of instituting
cancellation with insufficient fees. 2.111(d) ADDS: New subsection (d) requires fees for each party and each class for which
cancellation is sought. Clarifies that ESTTA requires all fees, but paper petition not
accompanied by a fee sufficient to pay in full for each named petitioner for each class
sought to be cancelled may not be instituted. 2.111(e) ADDS: New subsection (e) provides that the filing date of a petition is the date of
electronic receipt of the petition and required fee. Filing date for paper petitions will be
determined in accordance with §§ 2.195-2.198. 2.112(a) and (b) ADDS: Requirement to provide current email address(es) of the current owner of the
registration to the best of petitioner’s knowledge. Clarifies that ESTTA requires
petitioner to select relevant grounds, and the required accompanying statement
supports and explains the grounds. 
2.113(a) DELETES: Service requirement for petitioners. ADDS: The notice will include a web
link or web address to access the electronic proceeding record and constitutes service
to the registrant of the petition. 2.113(b) and (c) ADDS: New subsection (1) requires answer to be filed through ESTTA. Paper filing is
only allowed when ESTTA is unavailable due to technical problems, or when
extraordinary circumstances are present, and must be accompanied by a Petition to the Director under § 2.146 with the fees therefor. AMENDS: Subsection (2) specifies
that a reply to an affirmative defense shall not be filed, and clarifies that pleaded
registrations include registrations identified in counterclaims. ADDS: In subsection (3)
requires party in position of respondent and counterclaim plaintiff to inform the Board
of another proceeding involving the claim. ADDS: Board may reset various deadlines
as it may deem necessary. Procedure in Inter Partes
Proceedings 2.116(e) and (g) ADDS: Includes submission of notices of reliance, declarations and affidavits in the list
of items submitted during testimony period which correspond to trial in court
proceedings. AMENDS: Clarifies that standard protective order is automatically
imposed in inter partes proceedings. ADDS: Board may treat as not confidential
improperly designated material. 2.117(c) ADDS: Board may sua sponte suspend proceedings and suspensions may be
automatically approved by ESTTA, but Board has discretion to condition approval of
consented suspension request on providing information about the status of settlement
talks, discovery activities, or trial activities. 2.118
ADDS: Notification of non-delivery of Office notice in electronic form will also prompt
additional notice by publication. 2.119(a) and (b) ADDS: All submissions and papers in inter partes cases, except for notices of
opposition or petitions to cancel must be served by email unless otherwise stipulated.
If not possible because of technical problems or extraordinary circumstances and there
is no stipulation, serving party must show by written explanation accompanying the
submission or paper that email service was attempted but could not be made. 2.119(c) DELETES: In view of email service, the additional five days added to a prescribed
period. (All response dates initiated by a service date are twenty days as noted in
Global changes.) 2.119(d) ADDS: Priority Mail Express option is not available to any party if a party to an inter
partes proceeding is not domiciled in the United States and is not represented by an
attorney located in the United States.
2.120(a)(1) ADDS: Expressly adopts proportionality in process and procedure in discovery. 2.120(a)(2)(i), (2)(iii) and 2(iv) ADDS: Option for Board to sua sponte participate in discovery conference. Option for
Board to sua sponte issue an order regarding expert discovery. Nonexhaustive list of
items to which parties may stipulate. Permits limited extensions of the discovery period,
but requires that expert disclosure deadline must always be scheduled prior to the
close of discovery. 2.120(a)(3) ADDS: All discovery requests must be served early enough in the discovery period so that responses will be due no later than the close of discovery. 2.120(e) ADDS: Requests for production are limited to 75 with the option to move for additional
requests upon a showing of good cause. If party believes requests exceed allowed
number, the party shall serve a general objection as to excessive number. Clarifies
that discoverable items include electronically stored information as well as documents
and tangible things. 2.120(f)(1) and (2) ADDS: Clarifies that discoverable items include electronically stored information as
well as documents and tangible things. Motion to compel initial disclosures must be
filed within 30 days after the deadline therefor. Motion to compel discovery must be
filed prior to the deadline for pretrial disclosures for the first testimony period. When
motion to compel is filed after discovery has closed, parties need not make pretrial
disclosures until directed to do so by the Board. 2.120(h) AMENDS: 2.120(g) (sanctions) redesignated as 2.120(h). 2.120(i) ADDS: Requests for admission are limited to 75 with the option to move for additional
number, the party shall serve a general objection as to excessive number. Party may
make one comprehensive request for admission for authenticating specific documents
produced by an adverse party or specifying which of those documents cannot be
authenticated. 2.120(i)(1) and (2) ADDS: A motion to test sufficiency of a response or objection must be filed prior to the
deadline for pretrial disclosures for the first testimony period. When the motion is filed
after discovery has closed, parties need not make pretrial disclosures until directed to
do so by the Board. 2.120(j)(1), (2) and (3) ADDS: Circumstances when Board may convene a telephone conference for
consideration of stipulation or motion broadened to whenever Board determines it
would be beneficial. AMENDS: Convening pretrial conference due to complexity of
issues is limited to exercise only by Board, on Board’s initiative and on such terms as
the Board may order. ADDS: Parties may not make a recording of the conferences. 2.120(k) AMENDS: 2.120(j) (use of discovery deposition, answer to interrogatory, admission or
written disclosure) redesignated as 2.120(k). 2.120(k)(2), (3)(ii) and (7) AMENDS: Timing for motion to use discovery deposition is changed from the time of
the offer of the deposition in evidence to when making pretrial disclosures. ADDS:
Documents obtained through disclosure or under Rule 34 of the Fed. R. Civ. P. may
be made of record under admission or stipulation from the producing party that
authenticates the documents. Authenticated produced document added to list of
discovery responses made of record. 2.121(a) ADDS: The resetting of a party’s testimony period will result in the rescheduling of the
remaining pretrial disclosure deadlines without action by any party. 2.121(c) ADDS: In addition to being extended, testimony periods may be shortened. When a
motion to extend the testimony period is denied, associated pretrial disclosure
deadlines may remain as set. 2.121(d) ADDS: Stipulations to reschedule pretrial disclosure and trial dates must be filed
through ESTTA with the relevant dates set forth and an express statement that all
parties agree to the new dates. 2.121(e) ADDS: In rule for pretrial disclosures, clarifies that testimony of a witness may be taken
upon oral examination or presented in the form of an affidavit or declaration. Expressly
provides for motion to quash a noticed testimony deposition of a witness not identified
or improperly identified in pretrial disclosures. Expressly provides for motion to strike
when testimony presented by affidavit or declaration. 2.122(a) ADDS: Expressly recognizes evidentiary stipulations, and that evidence made of
record by one party may be used by any party for any permitted purpose. 2.122(b)(2) ADDS: Expressly provides that statements made in an affidavit or declaration in
application and registration files are not testimony, and establishing the truth of these
or any other matters asserted in the files of these applications and registrations shall
be governed by the Fed. R. Evid., Fed. R. Civ. P., 28 U.S.C., 37 CFR. 2.122(d)(2) ADDS: Registrations may be made of record under testimony or notice of reliance by
submitting a current copy of information from the Office’s electronic database records.
2.122(e)(2) ADDS: Expressly provides for submission of internet materials under notice of reliance.
2.122(g) ADDS: New subsection sets out general requirements for notices of reliance. 2.123(a)(1) and (2) ADDS: Testimony may be submitted in the form of an affidavit or declaration subject
to the right to oral cross examination. Deposition in foreign country may, upon motion,
be by affidavit or declaration subject to cross-examination by written questions.
Testimony of witness noticed for deposition upon written questions may, upon motion,
be taken by oral examination if witness is present in the United States. 2.123(b) DELETES: Option to stipulate to testimony by affidavit. 2.123(c) DELETES: Option to notice the oral deposition of a witness by description. ADDS:
Process to elect and take oral cross-examination. 2.123(e) ADDS: Cross-examination is available for oral and affidavit/declaration testimony. 2.123(f)(2) AMENDS: Process for filing testimony deposition transcripts is amended to require
filing through ESTTA. Exhibits that by their nature (e.g., DVDs) cannot be transmitted
through ESTTA shall be submitted through mail by the party. 2.123(g)(1) and (3) ADDS: Deposition transcripts must be submitted in full-sized format and may not be
condensed to multiple pages per sheet, and must include a word index. 2.123(i) DELETES: Provision for inspection of depositions by parties at the Board or printed for
inspection. AMENDS: Remaining subsections are appropriately redesignated. 2.123(j) ADDS: Redesignated 2.123(j) includes declarations and affidavits as being subject to
objections to admissibility and clarifies that such objections may not be considered until
final hearing. 2.124(b)(3), (d)(1) and (d)(3) ADDS: New subsection (3) provides process for noticing cross-examination by written
question of witness providing testimony by affidavit or declaration and subsection (d)(1)
incorporates such cross-examination. New subsection (d)(3) mandates service of
these written questions, responses and cross-examination questions be in accordance
with § 2.119(b). 2.125(a) and (f) ADDS: New subjection (a) provides for filing and service of affidavit and declaration
testimony. AMENDS: Redesignated subsection (f) permits sealing of a part of an
affidavit or declaration. 2.126(a) ADDS: Requires all submissions be filed through ESTTA. Text must be in at least 11
point type and double-spaced. Exhibits must be submitted electronically as an
attachment and must be clear and legible. 2.126(b) ADDS: Paper filing only allowed when ESTTA unavailable due to technical problems,
or when extraordinary circumstances are present and must be accompanied by a
written explanation of such technical problems or extraordinary circumstances.
(Pleadings and extensions of time to oppose require a Petition.) DELETES: Provision
that provides ESTTA as merely an alternative for filing. 2.127(a) ADDS: Clarifies that the time for filing a reply brief not only will not be extended, but
also will not be reopened. 2.127(c)
ADDS: Conceded matters and other matters not potentially dispositive may be acted
upon by a paralegal or by ESTTA, and motions disposed of By the Board have the
same legal effect as a three-judge panel. 2.127(d)
AMENDS: The wording “will be” is replaced with “is” such that the filing of potentially
dispositive motions serves to automatically suspend proceedings with respect to all
matters not germane to the motion. 2.127(e)(1) and (2) AMENDS: The deadline for filing summary judgment motions is moved up from prior
to the commencement of the trial period to prior to the deadline for pretrial disclosures.
ADDS: Clarifies that the time for filing a motion under 56(d) or a reply brief not only will
not be extended, but also will not be reopened. ADDS: Parties may stipulate that
summary judgment materials be considered at trial as trial evidence. 2.128(a)(3) ADDS: Clarifies procedure when the Board issues a show cause order for failure to file
a brief and there is no evidence of record. If the party in the position of plaintiff responds
to the order showing good cause why judgment should not be entered based on loss
of interest, but does not move to reopen its testimony period based on demonstrable
excusable neglect, judgment may be entered against plaintiff for failure to take
testimony or submit evidence. 2.128(b) ADDS: Evidentiary objections may be set out in a separate appendix that does not
count against the briefing page limit. Briefs exceeding the page limit may not be
considered by the Board. 2.129(a) and (b) ADDS: At the discretion of the Board, parties and members of the Board may attend
hearings remotely. The Board may deny a request to reset a hearing for lack of good
cause or if multiple requests for rescheduling have been filed. 2.130
AMENDS: Clarifies that during an inter partes proceeding if facts appear which in the
opinion of the examining attorney render the mark in the application unregistrable, the
examining attorney should request a remand of the application from the Board. 2.132(a) ADDS: Board may sua sponte grant judgment where it is clear from the proceeding
record that plaintiff has not taken testimony or offered other evidence. 2.134(b) ADDS: Rule governing registrations canceled during proceeding now includes
reference to Madrid registrations. 2.136
ADDS: Rule governing status of application on termination of a proceeding now also
includes status of registrations on termination of a proceeding. Appeals 2.142(b)(2) and (3) ADDS: Clarifies that examining attorney briefs need not be filed through ESTTA.
(Trademarks has its own electronic filing system.) Reply briefs are limited to 10 pages.
New subsection (3) requires that citations to evidence in briefs reference the electronic
application record by date, the name of the paper, and the page number in the
electronic record. 2.142(c) ADDS: Briefs should include reference to compliance with requirements not the subject
of the appeal. 2.142(d) AMENDS: Clarifies that to enter evidence into the record after appeal, the applicant or
examining attorney should request remand. 2.142(e)(1) and (2) ADDS: At the discretion of the Board, applicant, the examining attorney and members
of the Board may attend hearings remotely. DELETES: Replacement examining
attorney must be from the same examining division. 2.145
AMENDS: The provisions for seeking review of a Board decision are reorganized to
align with the analogous rules governing judicial review of Patent Trial and Appeal
Board decisions, including amending filing times from two months to 63 days. Times
for taking action reference the applicable section of the Act or rules that set out time
requirements. If requesting reconsideration of a decision, parties must do so before
filing a notice of appeal. All notices of appeal and notices of election must be filed with
the Office of the General Counsel and a copy with the Board via ESTTA. Parties
seeking review of ex parte decisions by way of civil action must serve the summons
and complaint on the Director addressed to the Office of the General Counsel and a
copy of the complaint via ESTTA. Parties commencing a civil action for review of a
Board inter partes decision must file a notice thereof with the Board via ESTTA and
identify the case name, case number and court, and a copy of the complaint may be
filed with the notice. Requests to extend time to seek review must be filed to the
attention of the Office of the Solicitor and copied on the Board via ESTTA. Filing all
notices with the Board via ESTTA avoids premature termination of proceedings. General Information and
2.190(b) ADDS: Provides online address for ESTTA. 2.191
ADDS: Mandates documents filed with the Board must be through ESTTA. 2.195(d)(3) DELETES: Ability to file notices of ex parte appeal by facsimile. See also 37 CFR Part 2 [Docket No. PTO–T–2009–0030] RIN 0651–AC35
(From https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/81%20FR%2069950.pdf) Search Not Just Patents® sites:
We (Often) Represent the Underdog
ESTTA Help
Steps in a Trademark Opposition (before the USPTO)
TTAB manual (TBMP)
Stipulations and Discovery Conference
Searching for Trademarks That Have Been Published for Opposition
©2008-2017 All Rights Reserved. Not Just Patents LLC, PO Box 18716, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Call: 1-651-500-7590 or email: WP@NJP.legal. This site is for informational purposes only and is provided without warranties, express or implied, regarding the information's accuracy, timeliness, or completeness and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney/client relationship exists without a written contract between Not Just Patents LLC and its client. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Privacy Policy Contact Us m.Trademark Opposition Attorney
Requests for Admissions TBMP 407
Stipulations and Motions TBMP 500
TTAB Suggested Format for Certificate of Service and Notice of Failure of Service
Acknowledgment to Standard Protective Order
m.Searching for Trademarks