What does an ITU application signify?

An ITU application, or Intent to Use application, signifies that the applicant has a bona fide intention to use a specific trademark in commerce in the near future, even if the trademark is not currently in use at the time of the application. This type of application allows businesses and individuals to secure rights to a trademark before they actually start using it in the marketplace. It provides a way for applicants to lock in their trademark rights and prevents others from registering or using a similar mark while they prepare to bring their goods or services to market.

The key characteristic of an ITU application is the intention to use, making it distinct from other types of applications that require actual use in commerce at the time of registration. Once the applicant begins using the trademark, they can then file a Statement of Use to convert the application into a registration. This process is particularly useful for companies planning to launch products or services within a foreseeable timeframe, as it allows them to establish legal protections for their trademarks early.

Other choices describe different types of trademark applications or registrations. A trademark already in commercial use pertains to applications based on actual use, while a registered trademark that is being renewed does not relate to new applications. An application for a trademark in a foreign country does not fall under U.S