What describes a situation where an application has more than one owner?

The situation where an application has more than one owner is best described as "Multiple owners." This phrase directly communicates the concept of ownership being divided among various individuals or entities regarding a trademark application. In trademark law, it is essential to understand that when multiple parties have ownership rights in a trademark, each owner typically has equal rights to use the trademark, provided they adhere to any agreements made between them regarding its usage.

The term "multiple owners" conveys this idea clearly and aligns with legal terminology used in various contexts, making it straightforward for those involved in trademark applications to grasp. In contrast, terms like "joint ownership" or "shared ownership" might suggest specific legal implications or arrangements that entail joint responsibilities or agreements between the owners, which isn’t always the case for every scenario involving more than one owner. "Common ownership" is also less precise and could imply an ongoing, collaborative usage model that may not apply to all situations where multiple parties own a trademark.