# TMEP § 1201.03(a): No Explanation of Use of Mark by Related Companies or Applicant’s Control Over Use of Mark by Related Companies Required

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(a)

## Section

- **Citation:** TMEP § 1201.03(a)
- **Heading:** No Explanation of Use of Mark by Related Companies or Applicant’s Control Over Use of Mark by Related Companies Required
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** USPTO TMEP / Chapter 1200 - Substantive Examination of Applications / TMEP § 1201.03(a)

## Text

The USPTO does not require an application to
specify if the applied-for mark is not being used by the applicant but is being
used by one or more related companies whose use inures to the benefit of the
applicant under §5 of the Act. Moreover, where the application states that use
of the mark is by a related company or companies, the USPTO does not require an
explanation of how the applicant controls the use of the mark.
Additionally, the USPTO does not inquire about the
relationship between the applicant and other parties named on the specimen or
elsewhere in the record, except when the reference to another party clearly
contradicts the applicant’s verified statement that it is the owner of the mark
or has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce.
See
TMEP
§1201.04
. In such cases, the USPTO may require such
details concerning the nature of the relationship and such proofs as may be
necessary and appropriate for the purpose of showing that the use by related
companies inures to the benefit of the applicant and does not affect the
validity of the mark.
37 C.F.R.
§2.38(b)
.

## Nearby sections

- [TMEP § 1201 Ownership of Mark](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.01 Claim of Ownership May Be Based on Use By Related Companies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.01.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(a) Identifying the Applicant Properly](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(a).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(c) Correcting Errors in How the Applicant Is Identified](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(c).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(d) Operating Divisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(d).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.02(e) Changes in Ownership After Application Is Filed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.02(e).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(a) No Explanation of Use of Mark by Related Companies or Applicant’s Control Over Use of Mark by Related Companies Required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(a).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(b) Wholly Owned Related Companies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(b).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(c) Common Stockholders, Directors, or Officers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(c).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.03(e) License and Franchise Situations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(e).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.04 Inquiry Regarding Parties Named on Specimens or Elsewhere in Record](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.04.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.05 Acceptable Claim of Ownership Based on Applicant’s Own Use](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.05.md)
- [TMEP § 1201.06(a) Applicant Is Merely Distributor or Importer](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.06(a).md)
- [TMEP § 1201.06(b) Goods Manufactured in a Country Other than Where Applicant Is Located](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.06(b).md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/TMEP_S1201.03(a). Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.