Statement of Use & Extension Services
Convert your "Intent-to-Use" application into a registered trademark or extend your USPTO timeline.
- SOU Submission: File proof of commercial use to finish registration.
- 6-Month Extensions: Gain extra time to launch without losing priority.
- Specimen Audits: Ensure proof of use meets USPTO standards.
Why Are SOU Filings Essential?
An Intent-to-Use application reserves your brand name, but filing an SOU or Extension is mandatory for registration.
Complete Your Registration
Transition from pending to registered status by submitting verified specimens showing your mark in active commercial use.
Safeguard Priority Date
Timely extension requests keep your original filing date active while you finalize your brand launch.
Prevent Abandonment
Missing the 6-month window after your Notice of Allowance causes your application to automatically abandon.
Intent-to-Use Conversion
Once the USPTO issues a Notice of Allowance for your "Intent-to-Use" application, you must demonstrate real-world commercial use. Submitting a Statement of Use with compliant specimens or requesting an official 6-month extension ensures your application stays active without forfeiting your brand rights.
You can request up to five sequential 6-month extensions—giving you up to 36 total months from your Notice of Allowance date to officially launch your products or services.
Notice of Allowance
Specimen Verification
6-Month Extensions
Clear Packages, Complete Protection
Choose the level of legal support and filing expertise that matches your business goals.
Basic Package
Straightforward filing tools to get your application officially submitted.
- Federal Database Direct-Hit Search: We scan the USPTO registry to check your mark’s availability and flag immediate conflicts.
- Custom Legal Classification: Our team reviews the USPTO ID manual to precisely categorize your goods and services for maximum protection.
Standard Package
Step up to dedicated legal guidance and brand enforcement tools.
- 1-on-1 Attorney Consultation: Speak directly with a licensed trademark lawyer in a focused 15-minute session to resolve specific questions and outline your filing strategy.
- Cease & Desist Safeguards: Enforceable legal documents to act quickly against brand infringement.
Premium Package
Priority rush filing paired with continuous brand monitoring.
- 1-Hour Attorney Session: In-depth legal planning with a trademark lawyer.
- 48-Hour Priority Processing: Fast-track filing to secure your official USPTO date immediately.
- Infringement Alerts: Ongoing monitoring to protect your registered mark from copycats.
Smooth Transitions to Full Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
A Statement of Use is an official USPTO filing accompanied by real-world evidence (a specimen) demonstrating that your trademark is actively used in commercial trade for the goods or services listed in your application.
You must file an SOU after the USPTO approves your "Intent-to-Use" application and issues a Notice of Allowance. The initial filing deadline is within 6 months of the Notice of Allowance date.
You can submit an official 6-Month Extension Request. This extends your submission timeline while fully preserving your original priority filing date and federal trademark rights.
You can request up to five sequential 6-month extensions, granting you a maximum total of 36 months from the issuance date of your Notice of Allowance to put your mark into commercial use.
Acceptable specimens include physical product packaging, stamped tags, branded labels, or a live website screenshot showing direct purchasing options for goods or detailed service descriptions.
An AAU is filed before your application is approved for publication, whereas an SOU is filed after the USPTO issues a formal Notice of Allowance. Both serve to submit commercial proof of use to the examiner.
Missing the deadline without filing an extension causes your trademark application to be declared abandoned by the USPTO, requiring you to restart the application process and pay new government fees.
Yes. If you are not yet using the trademark for all originally listed items, you can delete specific goods or services from your application to move forward with registering the active ones.
Once submitted, the USPTO examining attorney typically reviews and accepts your SOU within 1 to 2 months, after which your official Certificate of Registration is issued.
Submitting non-compliant specimens or incorrect dates of first use can delay your registration or invalidate your mark. We audit your proof of use and handle all USPTO communications to ensure a flawless transition.