Perhaps the most common question we receive from clients is: “What is an appropriate specimen for supporting use of my trademark?” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has very strict rules regarding materials appropriate as specimen for trademarks, which are required for use-based applications and post-registration filings, such as Declarations of Use. Website usage generates a significant amount of confusion because a website is almost always an acceptable form to support use with services, but not always with goods. This article addresses the requirements for submitting a website as a specimen for goods and lists three ways to avoid refusals at the USPTO.

1. Proximity of Mark to Goods

In order for a website to be an acceptable specimen for goods, something on the website must identify the goods to consumers, namely, a photograph or description of the goods. A description of the goods is usually sufficient if the features of the goods are identifiable from the description. Furthermore, the website specimen must also associate the mark with the goods as an indicator of source.In order to reduce the likelihood of receiving a refusal from the USPTO, we suggest that clients:

  • place the mark directly next to a picture or description of the goods;
  • refrain from including material on the specimen that is unrelated to the identified goods; and
  • avoid including other marks on the specimen.

2. Prominence of Mark

When determining whether a website shows a mark in association with the identified goods, the Examining Attorney often considers the prominence of the mark. The more prominently a mark appears on a website, the more likely the mark will be perceived by consumers as a trademark.In order to increase the prominence of a mark on a website, we suggest that clients:

  • present the mark in a larger font size or different stylization/color;
  • use the mark at the beginning of a line or sentence; and
  • utilize the mark in the top left or center of the website.

3. Ordering Information

Though perfectly acceptable to show use with services, advertising material is usually not acceptable as a specimen for goods. A website that is merely used to tell prospective purchasers about goods or to promote the sale of goods is unacceptable to support trademark use.In order to be acceptable as a specimen, a website must be a point-of-sale display that includes information necessary to allow consumers to immediately purchase the identified goods. This can be satisfied by providing:

In most cases, the inclusion of email addresses and telephone numbers, without any of the above-mentioned ordering information, will not transform advertising material into a point-of-sale display.

Nath, Goldberg & Meyer regularly advises its clients on the requirements for utilizing a website as a specimen for goods. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.