Changes To Implement Provisions of the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020
New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)
No
Regular
11/17/2021
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
14,931
0
36,908
0
2,421,403
0
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) administers the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. §1051 et seq., which provides for the Federal registration of trademarks, service marks, collective trademarks and service marks, collective membership marks, and certification marks. Individuals and businesses who use their marks, or intend to use their marks, in commerce regulated by Congress may file an application with the USPTO to register their marks. Registered marks remain on the register indefinitely, so long as the owner of the registration files the necessary maintenance documents. The regulations implementing the Trademark Act are set forth in 37 CFR Part 2.
This information collection addresses submissions covered by 37 CFR Part 2 for initial applications regarding the registration of trademarks, service marks, collective trademarks and service marks, collective membership marks, and certification marks.
The USPTO is also authorized to promulgate regulations to set flexible Office action response periods between 60 days and 6 months, with an option for applicants to extend the deadline up to a maximum of 6 months from the Office action issue date. Id. at § 224. In addition, the TMA includes statutory authority for the USPTOâs letter-of-protest procedures, which allow third parties to submit evidence to the USPTO relevant to a trademarkâs registrability during the initial examination of the trademark application, and provides that the decision whether to include such evidence in the application record is final and non-reviewable.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Petition to Director (Individuals or Households)