How long does one have to file a Statement of Use or request an extension after receiving a Notice of Allowance?

The correct duration to file a Statement of Use or request an extension after receiving a Notice of Allowance is six months. This timeframe is established under U.S. trademark law to ensure that applicants take prompt action in developing and using their trademark in commerce following the approval of their application.

When the USPTO issues a Notice of Allowance, it indicates that the trademark application has met the necessary criteria for registration, but the applicant has not yet proven that they are using the trademark in commerce. The six-month period allows the applicant sufficient time to either provide a Statement of Use, confirming that the trademark is in use, or to request additional time through an extension, which can grant up to an additional six months.

This timeline is crucial for maintaining the trademark application process, as it helps to prevent prolonged delays in the registration of trademarks, ensuring that only those marks that are actively being used in commerce can eventually be registered. Understanding this requirement is important for any trademark applicant to secure and maintain their rights effectively.