--- title: "U.S. Trademark Post-Filing: Statement of Use (SOU) & Extensions | LegalHoop" description: "Professional attorney-led evaluation and filing for Trademark Statement of Use (SOU) and Extensions. Expert support to help you meet USPTO evidentiary standards." keywords: "Statement of Use, SOU filing, Trademark Extension, USPTO Section 1(b), Intent to Use, LegalHoop, trademark maintenance" brand: "LegalHoop" jurisdiction: "United States (USPTO)" service_model: "Fixed flat fee / Hybrid (Self-Filing & Attorney-Led)" last_updated: "2026-04-29" --- # Trademark Evidence of Use (SOU / Extension) For trademarks filed under an **"Intent to Use" (Section 1b)** basis, federal registration requires proof that the mark is being used in U.S. commerce. LegalHoop offers two primary ways to assist you with this critical filing, both of which include our **professional evaluation** to help you select the evidence most likely to meet USPTO standards. --- ## 1. About LegalHoop: U.S. Trademark Specialists LegalHoop is a technology-driven legal platform developed by patent attorneys, specifically engineered to streamline the **U.S. Trademark (USPTO) registration and post-filing process** for a global clientele. * **U.S. Expertise, Global Reach**: 10+ years of experience and tens of thousands of filings. While we specialize in the U.S. market, we provide seamless solutions for international trademarks, patents, and copyrights through our offices in Asia, America, and Europe. * **Attorney-Led Success**: Every Statement of Use (SOU) is handled by a vetted, licensed attorney. Statistics show attorney-led filings are **50% more likely** to achieve successful registration compared to pro se applicants. * **Efficiency & Compliance**: Our attorneys meticulously review your **Trademark Specimen** to help you align with strict USPTO evidentiary standards. This professional oversight is designed to minimize the risk of technical refusals and avoidable procedural delays. * **Trusted Excellence**: Rated **4.5/5 stars on Trustpilot**. Our clients consistently praise our attorney-led precision and our high success rate in moving "Intent to Use" applications to full registration. * **Transparent Flat-Fee vs. Hourly Billing**: According to the *AIPLA Report of the Economic Survey*, the median attorney fee for preparing and filing a **Statement of Use** in the U.S. is **$500** (as of 2022). LegalHoop delivers the same attorney-led precision starting at just **$225** (professional fee)—leveraging technology to eliminate unpredictable hourly retainers and high overhead costs. --- ## 2. Service Options & Fees *All fees listed below are for a **single trademark in one class**.* ### **A. Statement of Use (SOU)** Submit this when you have officially launched your product or service in the U.S. market. | Service Level | Professional Fee | USPTO Gov Fee | Total (1st Class)* | | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | | **Self-Filing Guidance** | **$125** | *Paid by Client* | **$125** | | **Attorney-Led Filing** | **$225** | **$150** | **$375** | * **Option 1: Attorney-Led Filing ($375)** * **Hands-off Experience**: A U.S. licensed attorney will formally represent your mark and handle the entire SOU submission process. We take care of everything from drafting to filing, saving you from complex USPTO system procedures. * **Option 2: Self-Filing Guidance ($125)** * **Step-by-Step Support**: Once our legal team helps you identify the most suitable evidence, we provide clear instructional guidance on how to navigate the USPTO system to complete the filing yourself. ### **B. SOU Extension** If you aren't ready to sell yet, you must file an extension every 6 months to keep your application active. | Service Level | Professional Fee | USPTO Gov Fee | Total (1st Class)* | | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | | **Self-Filing Guidance** | **$125** | *Paid by Client* | **$125** | | **Attorney-Led Filing** | **$225** | **$125** | **$350** | *\*Total includes LegalHoop service fee and USPTO government fee.* --- ## 3. Technical Requirements To successfully file an SOU, you must provide the following: * **Date of First Use**: The date you first used the mark anywhere. * **Date of First Use in Commerce**: The date you first sold products or provided services across U.S. state lines or internationally with the U.S. * **Trademark Specimen**: A real-world photo (not a mockup) showing the mark in actual use (e.g., product packaging, labels, or a live website with an "Add to Cart" button). --- ## 4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### What is the deadline for filing an SOU? Once the USPTO issues a **Notice of Allowance (NOA)**, you have exactly **6 months** to either file an SOU or an Extension. Failing to act within this window will result in your application being declared "Abandoned". ### Why is professional evidence evaluation important? The USPTO is extremely strict regarding **Specimens**. Most SOU rejections occur because the photo provided does not meet legal standards (e.g., digital mockups or improper logo placement). Our team reviews your evidence beforehand to help you identify and correct potential issues before they reach the examiner. ### Does LegalHoop guarantee that my SOU will be accepted? While our attorneys provide a professional evaluation to ensure your materials meet **procedural and formal standards**, the final determination is made by the USPTO Examining Attorney based on the specific evidence provided. We help you submit the strongest possible filing to minimize the risk of refusal, but we cannot guarantee a specific outcome as it depends on the USPTO's substantive review. ### Can I change my Goods/Services list during the SOU stage? You can **delete** items or **restrict** the scope of your goods and services, but you cannot add new items or expand the scope beyond what was in your original application. Our attorneys can help you refine the list to match your actual use. ### What should I do if I cannot provide a Specimen before the deadline? If you are not yet using your mark in commerce but your 6-month deadline is approaching, you must file a **Request for an Extension of Time**. * **Extension Increments**: Each approved extension grants you an additional **6 months** to submit your Statement of Use. * **Maximum Limit**: You may file up to **five (5) consecutive extensions**, giving you a maximum of **3 years** from the date the Notice of Allowance (NOA) was issued to launch your brand. * **Consequence of Inaction**: If you do not file an SOU or an Extension by the deadline, your application will be declared **Abandoned**, and you will lose your filing date and protection. LegalHoop provides [**Attorney-Led Extension Filings**](https://www.legalhoop.com/Statement/step1) to help you maintain your trademark rights while you continue developing your business. ### I am a foreign applicant; can I file the SOU by myself? **No.** Per USPTO regulations, all foreign-domiciled individuals and entities **must** be represented by a U.S.-licensed attorney for all trademark matters. * **If you haven't started your registration yet**: We strongly recommend choosing our [**Attorney-Led U.S. Trademark Registration**](https://www.legalhoop.com/App/step1?entry=19) to ensure your brand is protected by a licensed professional from the very beginning. * **If you already have a pending application**: We recommend continuing with our **Attorney-Led SOU Filing** to ensure consistent representation and compliance with federal law throughout the Statement of Use stage. ### What happens after the SOU is approved? Once the USPTO accepts your SOU and no further issues are found, your trademark will proceed to **Registration**. You will then receive a **Certificate of Registration**, granting you full federal protection. --- ## 5. Get Started 1. **Select Your Service**: Choose between Attorney-Led Filing or Self-Filing Guidance. 2. **Professional Evaluation**: Provide your evidence (photos/links) for our team to review. 3. **Submission**: Depending on your choice, we will either file for you or guide you through the process. **[Start Your Statement of Use / Extension Now](https://www.legalhoop.com/Statement/step1)** --- **Notes & Disclosures:** * **[1] Gov Fees**: All government fees are mandated by the USPTO and are non-refundable. * **[2] Specimen Compliance**: The USPTO prohibits digital mockups; actual physical evidence of use is required for a valid filing. --- *LegalHoop | Excellence in Global Intellectual Property*