At some point during your trademark application process, you will be required to provide a trademark “specimen.” A specimen is a sample of how you actually use your mark in commerce on your goods or with your services. A specimen shows the mark as purchasers encounter it in the marketplace (e.g., on your labels, packaging or on your website).
For goods, we require an image of your products showing the label, tags or packaging with the trademark name clearly visible. For services, we require a website screenshot, brochure or storefront image clearly showing your trademark name. The mark shown on the specimen must be exactly as the trademark was filed in your trademark application. Any variations may result in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) refusing the specimen.
To help expedite your trademark application and USPTO review process, we have compiled the following examples of acceptable trademark specimens for some common classes of goods and services.