Trademark Dictionary
A Statement of Use (SOU) is a document filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to demonstrate that a trademark has been used in commerce in connection with the goods or services listed in the trademark application. The SOU is required for trademark applications that are based on intent to use the trademark, rather than actual use in commerce.
After an intent-to-use trademark application is filed with the USPTO, the trademark owner must file an SOU within six months of the issuance of a Notice of Allowance. The SOU must include a specimen of use showing how the trademark is being used in commerce, such as a photograph of the product or service with the trademark displayed.
Trademark battle between FIFA and the PUMA regarding the upcoming soccer World Cup in Qatar led to cancelation of trademarks of both parties. This case highlights yet another gray area of trademark laws: the risky practice of registering sporting events as trademarks
Filing for trademark registration is something anybody can do with a single online application. Many business owners, however, decide to wait with trademark registration because the process can appear quite complicated at first sight. Applying without a legal representative can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Mistakes and errors are easy to make and can lead to weak trademark protection or the rejection of your trademark registration altogether.
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