After assessing the Trademark Consistency Initiative Pilot Program, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has decided to extend and expand the program.  The USPTO is expanding the parameters of the program so that a Request for Consistency Review on substantive or procedural issues (excluding issues involving identifications of goods and services) may include registrations that have issued within the past five years.  Additionally, for at least a period of four months, commencing on June 23, 2010, the Office will accept Requests concerning inconsistency issues with respect to identifications of goods and services.  Please note that applications and registrations based on the Madrid Protocol are excluded and registrations relied upon must have issued within the two years prior to the Request.  Additionally, the pending application at issue must have a final identification or classification requirement outstanding.  

 If you would like more information on the Trademark Office’s Consistency Program, please contact us.