[E-trademarks] COVID as basis for claim of excusable non-use of mark

Wed Apr 10 16:35:08 EDT 2024

Agreed, though given that we’ve been out of lockdown for several years I don’t think the PTO will simply rubber stamp any COVID-related claim—not that they ever really did so, even in the height of the pandemic.  I haven’t seen any formal guidance from the PTO since 2021 on it: https://www.uspto.gov/subscription-center/2021/maintenance-filings-covid-19-and-excusable-nonuse.  There’s a full list of COVID related PTO posts here, looks like nothing has happened for a couple of years: https://www.uspto.gov/coronavirus.

Kevin Grierson
CULHANE PLLC<http://www.culhanemeadows.com/>
[Mobile:]
  757-726-7799<tel:757-726-7799>
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From: E-trademarks <e-trademarks-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com> On Behalf Of mrichter richtertrademarks.com via E-trademarks
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 4:29 PM
To: For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com>
Cc: mrichter richtertrademarks.com <mrichter at richtertrademarks.com>
Subject: Re: [E-trademarks] COVID as basis for claim of excusable non-use of mark

EXTERNAL EMAIL
Jessica,

If a business is still dealing with the effects of the pandemic, my opinion is that it is a legitimate excuse and should be approved. Think of it the same as a non-pandemic related excuse.

Keep us posted!

Best,
Miriam

Miriam Richter, Attorney at Law, P.L.
Make Your Mark! ®
Trademark, Copyright, and other Intellectual Property Matters
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Wilton Manors, Florida 33305

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From: E-trademarks <e-trademarks-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com<mailto:e-trademarks-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com>> On Behalf Of Jessica R. Friedman via E-trademarks
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 4:25 PM
To: For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com<mailto:e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com>>
Cc: Jessica R. Friedman <jrfriedman at litproplaw.com<mailto:jrfriedman at litproplaw.com>>
Subject: Re: [E-trademarks] COVID as basis for claim of excusable non-use of mark

No takers?

Jessica R. Friedman
Attorney at Law
300 East 59 Street, Ste. 2406
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-220-0900
Cell: 917-647-1884
E-mail: jrfriedman at litproplaw.com<mailto:jrfriedman at litproplaw.com>
URL: www.literarypropertylaw.com<http://www.literarypropertylaw.com/>

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From: Jessica R. Friedman <jrfriedman at litproplaw.com<mailto:jrfriedman at litproplaw.com>>
Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 11:55 AM
To: For trademark practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com<mailto:e-trademarks at oppedahl-lists.com>>
Subject: COVID as basis for claim of excusable non-use of mark
Is the PTO still accepting COVID as a basis for a claim of acceptable non-use? I can’t find any post-2021 announcements about this or anything in the TMEP that specifically refers to this question.

Jessica R. Friedman
Attorney at Law
300 East 59 Street, Ste. 2406
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-220-0900
Cell: 917-647-1884
E-mail: jrfriedman at litproplaw.com<mailto:jrfriedman at litproplaw.com>
URL: www.literarypropertylaw.com<http://www.literarypropertylaw.com/>

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