Removing “deadwood” (registrations for marks that are not in use in commerce) from the Trademark Register has become an increasingly important priority for the USPTO in recent years. A few years ago, the USPTO instituted a permanent post-registration audit program by which it requires trademark registrants who file a Declaration of Use to submit proof of use for two additional items in each class, beyond the product for which a specimen is submitted.

This webinar will teach you about the post-registration random audit program, analyze the criteria that make a registration eligible to be selected for the audit, and explain how to respond to a post-registration audit Office action.

The USPTO reports that more than 80% of all audited registrants are represented by counsel, yet more than 50% of audited registrants delete goods when responding to the audit Office action. Learn best practices for preparing the Declaration of Use to ensure success if the registration is audited.