--- title: "USPTO Trademark Specimen Guide & Examples | GTC" description: "Guide to US trademark specimens: what's acceptable, examples for goods and services, common refusals (with TMEP citations), and a pre-submission checklist." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Trademark Specimen Guide: Requirements, Examples & Common Refusals", "description": "Guide to USPTO trademark specimens. Learn what's acceptable for goods and services, how to prepare specimens, common refusals with TMEP citations, and a pre-submission checklist.", "datePublished": "2025-06-01", "dateModified": "2026-02-10", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/resources/specimen-guide" }, "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to Prepare Your Trademark Specimen for the USPTO", "description": "Step-by-step guide to preparing an acceptable specimen for your USPTO trademark application or Statement of Use filing.", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Choose the right specimen type", "text": "Select a specimen appropriate for your filing: product labels/packaging for goods (Classes 1-34) or advertising/website screenshots for services (Classes 35-45)." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Ensure minimum image quality", "text": "Use a minimum resolution of 944×944 pixels, JPEG or PNG format, maximum 5 MB file size, with clear and well-lit photography." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Verify all required elements", "text": "For website specimens, ensure the mark, product/service description, price, and purchase mechanism are all visible on one page." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Confirm real use in commerce", "text": "The specimen must show actual commercial use, not mock-ups, prototypes, or digitally altered images. Use in US commerce is required for USPTO filings." } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Resources", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/how-it-works" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Specimen Guide", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/resources/specimen-guide" } ] } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. [Resources](/how-it-works) 3. Specimen Guide # Trademark Specimen Guide A specimen is real-world evidence showing how your trademark is actually used in commerce. The USPTO requires one with every trademark application and Statement of Use (SOU) filing. Getting it wrong is one of the most common reasons for office actions. This guide shows you how to get it right. The legal definition of "use in commerce" is established under [15 U.S.C. §1127 (Lanham Act)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1127). Last updated: February 2026 ## When do you need a specimen? The timing depends on your filing basis: ### Section 1(a) Use in Commerce You're already using the mark. A specimen is required **at the time of filing** your application. You must show the mark as it's currently used with your goods or services. ### Section 1(b) Intent to Use You plan to use the mark but haven't started yet. No specimen is needed at filing, but you **must file a Statement of Use (SOU)** with a specimen later, before the registration can issue. See our [SOU Filing Service](/services/sou-filing). Learn more about [what a Statement of Use is](/faq) in our FAQ. ## Acceptable specimens ### Goods (Classes 1–34) For goods, the specimen must show the mark directly on the product or its packaging as consumers encounter it in the marketplace. See [TMEP §904](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1.html) for full guidance. - Product packaging or labels showing the mark e.g., a photo of your product's box, bag, or wrapper with the brand name clearly visible - Tags or hang-tags attached to the goods e.g., a clothing hang-tag showing the brand name, attached to the garment - Product itself with the mark imprinted on it e.g., a pen, mug, or electronic device with the brand name engraved, embossed, or printed on it - E-commerce website screenshot with the mark, product, and purchase button Must show the mark, the product image, a price, AND a 'Buy Now' or 'Add to Cart' button, all on the same page - Instruction manuals or product inserts displaying the mark The mark must appear on the cover or header of the manual alongside the goods it's used with - Catalog page showing the mark associated with specific goods Must include the mark, product image, and ordering/purchasing information ### Services (Classes 35–45) For services, the specimen must show the mark used in the sale or advertising of the services, because services can't have physical labels. - Website or app screenshots showing the mark used in advertising services e.g., your homepage or service page displaying the brand name along with a description of the services offered - Brochures, flyers, or marketing materials advertising the services Must clearly show the mark and describe the specific services being offered under that mark - Business signage at a physical location where services are rendered e.g., a storefront sign, office building placard, or trade show booth displaying the mark - Invoices or receipts that include the mark and describe the services Must show the mark and reference the specific services provided, not just generic billing - Social media business pages actively offering services under the mark e.g., a Facebook or LinkedIn business page with the brand name, describing the services, and providing contact/booking information - Email marketing or newsletters advertising services under the mark Header must show the mark and body must describe the services being offered to customers ## Unacceptable specimens - Mock-ups or digitally altered images of products The USPTO requires evidence of actual use, not how you plan to use the mark [(TMEP §904.04(b))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e2445.html) - Business cards alone (for goods) Business cards don't show the mark in connection with the sale of goods [(TMEP §904.04(b))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e2445.html) - Letterhead or stationery with just the mark These are considered internal business materials, not evidence of use in commerce [(TMEP §904.04(b))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e2445.html) - Domain name registrations without evidence of use Owning a domain doesn't prove the mark is being used to sell goods or services [(TMEP §904.04(c))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e2508.html) - Internal company documents not shown to the public Specimens must show how consumers encounter the mark. Internal docs don't count [(TMEP §904.04(b))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e2445.html) - Artist's renderings or prototypes not yet in commerce The mark must be in actual commercial use. Pre-production materials are insufficient [(TMEP §904.04(b))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e2445.html) - Website screenshots without purchasing capability For goods, the page must show a way to purchase (price + buy button), a purely informational page won't work [(TMEP §904.03(i))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1735.html) - Social media posts that don't offer services Generic social posts mentioning the brand without advertising specific services are insufficient [(TMEP §904.03(h))](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1671.html) ## How to prepare your specimen ### Photo Requirements - • Minimum resolution: 944 × 944 pixels (USPTO recommends at least 250 DPI) - • Acceptable formats: JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) - • Maximum file size: 5 MB per specimen image - • Clear, well-lit photo. The mark must be legible ### Website Screenshot Tips - • Show the full webpage. Don't crop out the URL bar (it proves authenticity) - • Include the mark, product/service description, price, AND a purchase mechanism on one page - • Ensure the screenshot is current. Examiners may check if the page is still live - • For goods: 'Add to Cart' or 'Buy Now' button is mandatory; informational pages are insufficient ### General Best Practices - • One specimen per class. If you're filing in multiple classes, you need a separate specimen for each - • The specimen must show use in US commerce (or between the US and another country). Foreign-only use doesn't qualify - • Don't add the mark to existing photos digitally. This will be flagged as a mock-up - • If possible, include a date of use (receipt date, screenshot date, etc.) ## Common specimen refusals ### Ornamental Use[ TMEP §1202.03 ](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e1135.html) **Issue:** The mark appears merely as a decorative element (e.g., a large graphic on the front of a t-shirt) rather than as a source identifier. The examiner will argue consumers see it as decoration, not a brand name. **Solution:** Submit a specimen showing the mark on a hang-tag, label, or in a smaller placement that clearly indicates brand origin. Such as the inside collar tag of a garment. ### Informational Use[ TMEP §1202.04 ](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-1200d1e1321.html) **Issue:** The mark is used in a purely informational or descriptive manner, for example, a phrase used as a common message or social commentary rather than to identify the source of goods/services. **Solution:** Submit additional evidence showing the mark functions as a brand identifier. Consider placement context: a mark on a hangtag functions differently from the same words emblazoned across a product. ### Digitally Altered / Mock-up[ TMEP §904.04(b) ](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e2445.html) **Issue:** The specimen appears to be digitally created, photoshopped onto a product, or is a printer's proof rather than evidence of actual use in commerce. Examiners look for signs of digital manipulation. **Solution:** Submit real photographs of the product/packaging as it exists in commerce. If selling online, take a genuine screenshot of your live website. Don't composite images together. ### Insufficient Website Specimen[ TMEP §904.03(i) ](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1735.html) **Issue:** The website screenshot shows the mark but lacks purchasing capability (no price, no 'Add to Cart' or 'Buy Now' button) or doesn't associate the mark directly with the goods/services. **Solution:** Capture a screenshot showing all required elements on one page: the mark, a product image or service description, a price, and a purchase/booking mechanism. ### Advertising Only (for Goods)[ TMEP §904.03(b) ](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1079.html) **Issue:** The specimen shows the mark in an advertisement (banner ad, social media post) but doesn't show it on or in direct association with the actual goods. Advertising alone isn't sufficient for goods marks. **Solution:** For goods, submit a specimen showing the mark on the product, its packaging, labels, tags, or a point-of-sale display. Advertising specimens are only acceptable for service marks. ### Specimen Doesn't Match the Mark[ TMEP §807.12(d) ](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-800d1e797.html) **Issue:** The mark shown in the specimen differs materially from the mark in the application. E.g, different font, added design elements, or significant color changes from what was filed. **Solution:** Ensure your specimen displays the mark substantially as it was filed. Minor stylistic variations are usually acceptable, but significant changes may require a new application or amended drawing. ## Pre-submission checklist Before submitting your specimen, verify that it meets all of the following requirements. For a complete reference, see the [USPTO TMEP §904](https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/current#/current/TMEP-900d1e1.html) and the [Glossary entry for "Specimen"](/resources/glossary). - 1 The mark is clearly visible and legible in the specimen - 2 The mark appears exactly as filed (or with only minor acceptable variations) - 3 The specimen shows real use in commerce, not a mock-up, rendering, or prototype - 4 For goods: the mark appears on the product, packaging, label, tag, or a qualifying webpage - 5 For services: the mark appears in advertising, signage, or marketing of the services - 6 For website specimens: the page includes the mark, the goods/services, a price, AND a purchase/booking mechanism - 7 The specimen is high quality (at least 944 × 944px, JPEG or PNG, under 5 MB) - 8 A separate specimen is provided for each Nice class in the application - 9 The specimen shows use in US commerce (for USPTO filings) ## Explore More Resources [ ### How It Works 6-step trademark registration process Read more about how it works ](/how-it-works)[ ### FAQs 35+ questions answered Read more about faqs ](/faq)[ ### Country Guides Compare 9 key jurisdictions Read more about country guides ](/resources/country-guides)[ ### Trademark Glossary 75+ trademark terms defined Read more about trademark glossary ](/resources/glossary) ## Need help with your specimen? A GTC trademark attorney will review your specimen before you submit it, tell you which piece of evidence is most likely to clear examination, and handle the SOU filing for you. 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