美國商標申請分兩種，一是「已有實際使用」，即商標本身已在美國進行實際商業行為；另一則是「基於意向使用」，即商標尚未在美國本土使用。
「已有實際使用」申請商標需於申請時一併提交使用證據，提交後進入形式及實質審查。
「基於意向使用」申請商標其申請後的審查及答覆流程同實際使用。
美國商標申請使用證據該如何準備?
1. 須提供商標在美國首次商業使用之日期、在任何地方首次使用日期(申請案須提供)，並且宣誓聲明對指定商品之如實使用
2. 指定之每一類別商品，都須至少提供一份使用證據。雖然只需提供一份使用證據，但申請人須聲明使用此類別中之所有商品。若沒有使用所有商品，可於核准後三年內進行使用所有的商品(得以付費延後提交使用證據); 但如果核准後三年内有不計畫使用的商品，則該些商品應該刪除。此部分風險在於，近年來美國官方對於使用證據之稽查標準趨於嚴格，對於未能合理使用全部指定商品或服務的商標，或者對於使用宣誓聲明不實，嚴重者可能撤銷整個註冊案，且此類註冊案受到第三人挑戰之機率也會較高。
3. 以下時間點都必須提供使用證據及宣誓，以維持商標有效
(1) 意圖使用基礎提申在核准通知後六個月內
(2) 已使用基礎提申同時
(3) 註冊後第5-6年間
(4) 每10年延展時
4. 使用證據之態樣，以下為可被接受之照片樣本
以下為使用證據不被接受之常見原因
- 使用證據中未呈現清晰、完整、未經變換之商標圖樣
- 使用證據中未對應所指定之商品或服務 (ex. 指定t-shirt為商品，而使用證據卻為客製化印製t-shirt的服務)
- 使用證據並非商業使用。
例如產品照片使用後製加上商標圖、實際上並未販售出貨的商品、或訂購單、發票、辦公室庶務文書(信頭、名片等)、海空運提單、宣傳冊、無URL或是日期的網頁資料等。
- 顯示商標的網頁或網站照片，但該網頁並無足夠資訊下單、購買資訊。(軟體類商品之網頁並無足夠資訊下載或購買該軟體)
AMAZON販售是可被接受的使用證據。
以FBA (亞馬遜物流Fulfillment by Amazon)最無爭議。因必須將商品運送到亞馬遜運營中心，亞馬遜負責後續取件、包裝和配送之服務。
FBM 指的是賣家把自家的商品直接從他們自家倉儲運送。即寄放存貨，規劃運送，提供顧客服務都是賣家的責任。此方案較不建議，因不必然成為確實在美使用商標完成銷售的證據。
Trademark Specimen Information
(by Ms. Laura Schneider, US attorney of Schneider IP Law LLC)
Applicants do not have to wait until a trademark is actually used to file a request for trademark registration. That is, an application may be filed on an Intent-to-Use basis. However, the USPTO will not register a trademark until the Applicant proves use of the mark for all goods/services listed. Proof of use must be submitted with a “Statement of Use” (SOU) within 6 months of Allowance (extendable up to 3 years) at the latest.
The SOU requires that Applicants file a specimen showing exactly how the mark is used in commerce, for each class. That is, actual sales of a product or service in the United States must be achieved prior to registration, and the trademark must be used on all goods/services that are claimed.
Examples of a proper specimen include: photographs of the mark used on the product itself or on the product packaging, or a website showing a close link between the mark and the product.
The following are examples of proper specimens for trademarks used on product packaging.
Notes: (1) the specimens are unaltered images; (2) the images show the trademark exactly as used on the packaging; (3) the trademark shown is exactly as applied-for.
The following are examples of proper specimens for trademarks used directly on products.
Notes: (1) the specimens are unaltered images; (2) the images show the entire product and, if the product is large, a close-up to show the trademark clearly; (3) the trademark is exactly as applied-for; (4) in the case of clothing, the trademark is not used for adornment, but rather to indicate the source.
Sometimes, a photograph of the product is not possible, such as when the trademark is used to identify the source of a service, software, or an electronic product. In these cases, a screenshot of a webpage may be submitted.
Notes: (1) the webpage must show a close relationship between the trademark and the product/service being offered; (2) the webpage must include a clear “call to action”, such as a “Sales” number or “Click to Order” link; (3) the Applicant will need to provide the webpage link and date of download of the image.
The following is an acceptable specimen for an e-book sold online. Note how the trademark is in a different font and distinct from the text.
The following is an acceptable example of a service offered online.
Note the placement of the trademark in the top left corner of the webpage and the “Sales” phone number as a call to action.
Specimen Rejections:
Here are some common reasons why specimens are refused:
- Your specimen does not show the trademark in your drawing. For example, your specimen does not show your trademark clearly, does not show your entire trademark (shows only a part of the trademark in your drawing), or does not show the exact trademark in the drawing, but rather a variation of it.
- Your specimen does not show trademark use with the goods or services in your application. For example, your application identifies t-shirts as your goods, but the specimen shows your trademark advertising your custom t-shirt printing services.
- Your specimen is not in actual use in commerce. For example: a printer’s proof, a digitally created or altered image or mock-up, material used only to conduct your daily business of selling goods (e.g., packing slips, business stationery, order forms, waybills, and bills of lading), only a drawing or depiction of your trademark, a webpage that doesn’t include the URL and date accessed/printed.
- Shows that your goods have not yet been sold (e.g., pre-sale orders for goods not yet available).
- Your specimen is not an appropriate type for your goods or services. For example, your specimen is only advertising for goods, such as: a webpage with insufficient ordering or purchasing information, or a webpage for downloadable software with no means to download or purchase the software.
Contact us soon if you are unsure if your proposed SOU will be accepted, and we will be happy to provide more guidance to ensure your trademark registers smoothly.
The preceding information is published with permission from Schneider IP Law.
BY CHARLOTTE
(photos and content excerpt provided by Ms. Laura Schneider, US attorney of Schneider IP Law LLC)
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