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The Law Office of Joan I. Norek

        Intellectual Property

            Chicago, Illinois

Oppositions

Opposition Entry
Timing
Dodging
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Oppositions

Opposition Entry
Timing
Dodging
Standing
Grounds

Trademarks

Trademarks Directory
About Trademarks
More on Trademarks
Why Protect a Trademark
Trademarks vs Patents
Trademark Infringement
Trademark Internet Issues
Trademark Weight
Trademark Myths
TM Searches - Basic
TM Searches - Corporate
TM Pre-filing Assessment
About TM Registrations
Registration Process Outline
TM Registrations - Standard
TM Registrations - Corporate
TM Stand. Registration Order
Naming & Branding
About Domain Names
Names as Trademarks
Slogans
Oppositions
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Trademark Consultations
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Trademark Oppositions

Part 2 - Dodging

Overview: 

• All applications for registration of a mark on the Principal Register that have passed the examination stage are published for opposition.
• The publication opens a thirty-day window period for filing a Notice of Opposition, or a request to extend the time period for so doing. 
• After an opposition is instituted, abandonment of the application without the consent of the opposer is a concession of opposition issues, which cannot be retracted.  Judgment will be entered against the applicant.  The opposer wins and the applicant loses.
• Dodging an opposition is, however, possible by abandoning the application during a time-extension period.  Nothing is conceded, and the application can be refiled if desired.

Publication and Time Extensions:  The publication of an application for registration opens a 30 day window for filing a Notice of Opposition or a time-extension request.  The date of publication is posted on the USPTO website www.uspto.gov ahead of actual publication.  Potential opposer's frequently request at least a 30-day time extension before filing a Notice of Opposition.  If so, and if an express abandonment of the application beats a Notice of Opposition to the USPTO, the opposition has been dodged.  Neither side wins or loses.

Dodging After a Time-Extension Request:

• Dodging ducks the opposition proceeding but possibly not the underlying dispute.
• Applicant will know the identity of the potential opposer.  The opposition grounds will remain at best speculative.
• Dodging potential is extinguished by filing a Notice of Opposition during the original window period.
• Applicant has little time to reflect or delay if dodging is an option under consideration.
• Since a time extension can be filed by mail, delaying its posting, the dodging opportunity can pass before an applicant is aware of the opposition threat.

What Beats What to the USPTO:  In a dodging situation, filing date controls.  If the express abandonment is filed before a Notice of Opposition is filed, the opposition is dodged and the application is abandoned.  A later-filed Notice of Opposition will be returned, and the opposition filing fee refunded.  If the Notice of Opposition is filed before the express abandonment, the applicant is given an opportunity to withdraw the abandonment.  If the abandonment is not withdrawn, or filed after notification of the opposition, it is treated as a non-consented abandonment and judgment will be entered against the applicant.

Practical Dodging Practice:  Once the publication date is known, the close of the window period and aftermath must be on a close watch to keep the option of dodging an opposition viable.  Typically nothing happens until the last moment, and then there is a posting delay.  There will be little to no time for hesitation or reflection.

Practical Dodging-Avoidance Practice:  Dodging is not routine, and some potential oppositions settle during a time extension period.  Time extensions require no filing fee and avoid a hurried opposition preparation.  Despite these good reasons for seeking a time extension, if extinguishing any dodging potential is important, consider forgetting even a 30-day extension and file the Notice of Opposition within the original window period.

Timeliness Critical:  Time and timing are critical here.  Who beats who, and what beats what, to the USPTO controls whether or not an opposition has been dodged or not.

other topics - opposition timing, standing, grounds
 

Oppositions are no place for amateurs.
If you think you need one, or if one has found you,
consult an experienced IP Attorney.
 

questions, inquiries - contact the firm (all contact modes) or call 312.419.8055
 

The Law Office of Joan I. Norek
25 E. Washington Street, Suite 1400
Chicago, Illinois  60602
Tel.  312.419.8055   Fax 312.236.6686
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