In what scenario would an application be abandoned for not filing a SOU?

The abandonment of a trademark application for failing to file a Statement of Use (SOU) within the required timeframe is a specific regulatory requirement. After a Notice of Allowance (NOA) is issued, the applicant has a set period (typically six months) to file the SOU, demonstrating that the mark is in use in commerce or to request an extension if they need more time.

If the applicant does not file the SOU within this designated period, the application will be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This rule enforces the timeline set by the Trademark Act to ensure that marks are only registered when they are actually in use, thereby maintaining the integrity of the trademark registry.

The other scenarios presented do not directly lead to abandonment under the same stringent conditions. Changing one's mind about the application or submitting the SOU late may lead to potential complications or re-filing, but do not intrinsically result in abandonment unless the SOU is not submitted at all within the prescribed time limit. An incomplete application would require the USPTO to correspond with the applicant for corrections rather than resulting in immediate abandonment.