[E-trademarks] FW: [EXT] Change in initial time set to file an answer in a trial case before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) - 60 days now instead of 40 days

Fri Sep 5 19:12:57 UTC 2025

Hello All:

I presume everyone has seen this rather suddenly announced, somewhat significant change in TTAB practice if receiving USPTO Alerts (FR Notice attached). While this may not be controversial or disagreeable, isn’t this the type of change that used to always go through a rule making or at least some type of notice period longer than negative one day? Am I missing something or maybe this is just the “new normal” with this Administration.

I guess I missed the WIPO rule change issued about 2.5 years ago that this change is based upon and I had not heard anything from the USPTO or others during this period about needing to consider syncing any USPTO or TTAB practice rules with this WIPO rule that arguably only indirectly governs IP offices.

Alex Butterman
Partner
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Subject: [EXT] Change in initial time set to file an answer in a trial case before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)

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Change in initial time set to file an answer in a trial case before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)

The TTAB is changing the initial time set to file an answer in its trial cases from 40 days to 60 days. Trial cases before the TTAB include oppositions and petitions to cancel.

This change is effective for TTAB institution orders issued on and after September 4, 2025. TTAB institution orders notify the parties of the commencement of a trial case.

Background

When a trial case commences, the TTAB issues a notification to the parties instituting the proceeding. The order sets out the trial schedule, including the time to file an answer. Traditionally, the TTAB set the initial time to answer as 40 days.

The United States is a member of the Madrid Protocol, an international treaty set up to simplify the international trademark registration process. Madrid Regulation Rule 17(2)(vii) requires a minimum 60 days response period for responding to an opposition.

Accordingly, the TTAB is changing the time to file an answer from 40 days to 60 days for consistency of expectations and docket management.

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