SOU
Law & Legal abbreviation · Intellectual Property
| Stands for | Statement of use |
|---|---|
| Categories | Law & Legal |
SOU stands for Statement of use, an intellectual property abbreviation.
Filing that completes an intent-to-use trademark application by declaring that the mark is now in use in commerce and submitting a specimen showing that use. The USPTO registers the mark only after the SOU is accepted.
Example: The SOU is due six months from the notice of allowance unless we request an extension.
Usage notes
Specimens must show the mark as actually used, such as on product labels or a web page where the goods can be bought, and the USPTO scrutinizes digitally altered specimens. Goods or services not yet in use must be deleted. A similar filing made before allowance is called an amendment to allege use.
Related abbreviations
More intellectual property abbreviations
- PTA – Patent term adjustment
- PTE – Patent term extension
- RCE – Request for continued examination
- SEP – Standard-essential patent
- SM – Service mark
- SNQ – Substantial new question of patentability
- SPC – Supplementary protection certificate
- TD – Terminal disclaimer
- TEAS – Trademark Electronic Application System
- TM – Trademark
- TMEP – Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure
- TRIPS – Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
See all 50 intellectual property abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.