BitLaw

903    Dates of Use

When asserting use of a mark in commerce in a trademark or service mark application, an applicant must specify the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in commerce, either in an original application under §1(a) of the Trademark Act ( see 37 C.F.R. §2.34(a)(1)(ii)-(iii) ), or in an allegation of use in an application under §1(b) ( see 37 C.F.R. §§2.76(b)(1)(iii),2.88(b)(1)(iii) ).  The dates of use must be verified, i.e., supported by an affidavit or declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20. See 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(1)(ii)-(iii) ), 2.71(c). See TMEP §§804 et seq. regarding verification.

An applicant filing under §1(b) is not required to state dates of use in the original application, but must include dates of use in an allegation of use under §1(c) or §1(d). See 37 C.F.R. §§2.76(b)(1)(iii), 2.88(b)(1)(iii).

A §1(b) applicant may assert dates of use that are earlier than the filing date of the application in an amendment to allege use or statement of use.

See TMEP §1303.01(a)(i)(B) regarding dates of use for collective trademarks or collective service marks, TMEP § 1304.02(a)(i)(B) regarding dates of use for collective membership marks, and TMEP §1306.02(a)(i)(A) regarding dates of use for certification marks.