How long does an applicant have to respond to an office action before their application is abandoned?

The time frame for responding to an office action in a trademark application is typically six months. This period is set by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to give applicants sufficient time to address any issues raised by the examining attorney regarding their application. If an applicant fails to respond within this six-month window, the application may be considered abandoned.

While there are instances where applicants can request extensions, these generally apply to specific circumstances. The standard response period for office actions is crucial for applicants to understand, as it ensures that they act within the timeframe established by the USPTO to maintain their application’s active status.