WTR Suspicious Specimens calls for comment

World Trademark Review invites you to share your experience, feedback or suggestions regarding suspicious/fraudulent specimens of use.

In the past week, WTR has published an in-depth investigation into the scourge of suspicious specimens being submitted to the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). We revealed the new tactics being used by fraudulent applicants, and also interviewed the USPTO about its current measures and future plans to tackle improper behaviour.

Now we are hoping to hear from readers about the experience they've had with fraudulent specimens, if they believe it is a widespread problem, and any feedback or suggestions they have to help tackle the problem.

When completing the survey, please consider your experience over the past 12 months.

Thank you for your participation.

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* (optional) If you are happy for your comments on this survey to be attributed, please let us know your name, title and organisation/firm below.

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* What experience have you had in regards to fake, suspicious or fraudulent specimens of use on trademark applications in the past 12 months?

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* If you or your firm/organisation have experienced suspicious specimens, do you have any advice on how to most effectively get around the challenge (and/or threat) they pose to your client, especially if they have reached registration?

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* Based on your personal experience and/or your knowledge of the situation, do you the issue of fraudulent and suspicious specimens is a significant issue for the USPTO (and/or other trademark offices), and why?

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* We've written extensively on the measures that the USPTO has taken to try and tackle the issue of fake/suspicious specimens of use (eg, training for examiners; dedicated inbox to report suspicious specimens; developing software to identify digital image alterations). Do you think the USPTO (or other parties) could do more to combat this issue? Do you have any suggestions on what additional measures could be taken?