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What is a suspension letter in context of trademark office actions?

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

A suspension letter is a formal notification from the IP office that examination of a trademark application has been temporarily suspended. The application is put on hold while a specific condition is resolved.

A suspension letter can come based on a similar application pending and the IP office waiting for its outcome before proceeding; the applicant being involved in related legal proceedings; or the application being a part of an international registration that is awaiting a response from WIPO. During the suspension, no action is required from the applicant unless the suspension letter specifies otherwise. The application resumes examination once the underlying issue is resolved.

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