The examples below are acceptable for some, but not all, goods and services. Because trademark filings with us are done electronically, what you submit to us typically is a photograph, scanned copy, screen capture, or printout of the physical specimen of use.
Specimens for goods are...
The goods themselves
For example, you could submit a photo showing your trademark on the bottom of a coffee mug or on the cover of a software instruction manual.
Labels and tags for the goods
For example, you could submit a photo showing your trademark on a label sewn on the neckband of a t-shirt, a photo of the goods showing your trademark on a label. A label or tag that is not shown physically attached to the goods may be accepted if, on its face, it clearly shows the mark in actual use in commerce. To clearly show actual use in commerce, the tag or label would, in addition to showing the mark, include informational matter that typically appears on a label in use in commerce for those types of goods such as net weight, volume, UPC bar codes, lists of contents or ingredients, or other information that is not part of the mark but provides information about the goods.
Packaging for the goods
For example, you could submit a photo showing your trademark on a laundry detergent box.
Sales displays where the goods are sold
For example, you could submit a photo of a counter display showing your trademark along with hair-care products in a beauty salon that uses those products.
Webpages selling the goods
For example, you could submit a screenshot or printout of a webpage showing a necklace for sale, the trademark on or in close proximity to the necklace, the price, and a shopping-cart button. You must include the URL and date you accessed or printed the webpage in your submission. You can include it in your screenshot or printout.
Software as goods.
For example, you could submit a screenshot of a software launch screen with the trademark in an introductory message box, or a screenshot of a webpage with enough information to download the software and the trademark appearing in the title bar.
Specimens for services are...
Online advertising or printed matter showing a direct link association between your trademark and the services
For example, you could submit a photo or screenshot of a newspaper or online advertisement for financial investment services.
Television and radio commercials for the services
For example, you could submit an MP3 file of a television commercial for laboratory testing in the field of genetics and ancestry.
Marketing material showing a direct association between your trademark and the services
For example, you could submit a scanned copy of brochures and leaflets advertising or marketing various hospital services.
Signage where the services are rendered
For example, you could submit a photo of business signs on the front of a grocery store.
Material used in the providing/rendering of the services
For example, you could submit:
- A photo or scanned copy of a menu for restaurant services.
- A photo of a band performing on stage with the band's name displayed during the performance (e.g., the band name on the band's drum) for live musical entertainment services).
- A screenshot of the title and launch screens for ongoing television programs and video game entertainment services.
Invoices showing a direct association between your trademark and the services
For example, if your services are printing and copying services, you could submit a photo or scanned copy of an invoice showing your trademark that includes the wording COPY SHOP) at the top of the invoice.
Business cards and letterhead showing a direct association between your trademark and the services
For example, you could submit a photo or scanned copy of business cards and letterhead that indicate you provide publishing services.
See TMEP 904 (specimens for goods) and TMEP 1301.04 (specimens for services) for more information about acceptable specimens.
DISCLAIMER: References to particular trademarks, service marks, certification marks, products, services, companies, and/or organizations appearing on this page are for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not constitute or imply endorsement by the U.S. Government, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or any other federal agency.