When must a petition be filed if the applicant is unaware of the abandonment?

The correct answer encompasses both the timelines specified in options A and C, reflecting the nuances of USPTO regulations regarding abandoned trademark applications.

When an application is deemed abandoned, the applicant has specific timeframes within which they must act if they were unaware of that abandonment. If the applicant receives a notice from the USPTO indicating that their application has been abandoned, they are required to file a petition to revive the application within two months of receiving that notice.

Additionally, if an applicant becomes aware of the abandonment through means other than a notice—perhaps through independent investigation or a related trademark matter—they are allowed to file a petition for revival within six months of that newfound awareness.

Thus, answers A and C correctly articulate the two distinct scenarios under which a petition must be filed. The intention behind allowing these timeframes is to give applicants a chance to rectify the situation once they become aware of it, thereby ensuring fairness in the trademark application process. This dual approach reflects the balance the USPTO seeks to maintain between processing trademark applications efficiently and allowing reasonable opportunities for applicants to safeguard their rights.