The examples below are acceptable for some, but not all goods and services. Make sure your specimen shows your trademark where and how consumers expect to see a trademark in your industry.
Specimens for goods are
For example, you could submit a photo of the bottom of a coffee mug or a photo of the cover of a software instruction manual.
- Labels and tags affixed to the goods
For example, you could submit a photo of the label on the neckband of a t-shirt.
For example, you could submit a photo of a laundry detergent box.
- Sales display signs/placards where the goods are sold
For example, you could submit a photo of a counter display for hair care products in a beauty salon that uses those products.
- Webpages selling the goods
For example, you could submit a screenshot of a webpage showing a necklace for sale, the price, and a shopping cart button,
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 that shows a direct link 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.
- Invoices, showing a direct link between your trademark and the services
For example, you could submit a photo of an invoice of shoes sold with your trademark at the top of the invoice.
- Business cards and letterhead that show a direct link between your trademark and the services
For example, you could submit a photo of business cards and letterhead for publishing services.
- Marketing materials that show a direct link between your trademark and the services
For example, you could submit a photo 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.
- Materials used in the sale of the services
For example, you could submit a copy of an instruction manual showing the trademark that is part of the kit for assembling a toy.
- Materials used in the providing/rendering of the services.
For example, you could submit:
- A photo 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.
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.