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The Law Office of Joan I. Norek

        Intellectual Property

            Chicago, Illinois

Oppositions

Opposition Entry
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Dodging
Standing
Grounds

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Oppositions

Opposition Entry
Timing
Dodging
Standing
Grounds

Trademark Oppositions

Part 3 - Standing
 

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.  A time extension can be obtained if requested during the window period. 
• An opposer must have standing.
• Standing means that the opposer must have a "real interest" (legally-recognized interest) in the issue of whether or not the mark of the application is registered.
• A statement of the reason why the opposer believes it would be damaged by the registration must be included in the Notice of Opposition.

Standing:  The opposer must have an interest in the issue of the particular imminent registration beyond strictly private-personal interests.  Dislike of the trademark or the applicant or the applicant's products is insufficient to provide standing.  Potential business harm to your best friend or neighbor or daughter,  if the registration issues, is insufficient to provide standing.  (Your best friend or neighbor or daughter would have standing.  If they choose not to oppose, you have no standing to oppose on their behalf, unless your are an appointed guardian or the like.)

Practical Standing and Damage Practice:  There is no requirement that actual damage has occurred, and no requirement that the damage feared would be overwhelming.  Why the opposer believes it would be damaged by the registration must be pleaded, and a reasonable basis for the belief must exist.  The damage which an opposer believes will occur is normally (but not necessarily) related to the grounds for opposition.  Nonetheless, pleading of the grounds alone will not provide the required showing of standing.

other topics - opposition timing, dodging, 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
Contact the Firm
 

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