What can be inferred if a trademark application has been deemed abandoned?

• A. The application has been denied
• B. It failed to satisfy filing requirements within the required timeframe
• C. It is awaiting further examination
• D. The trademark is being actively contested

Answer: (B)

If a trademark application has been deemed abandoned, it indicates that the applicant did not satisfy the necessary filing requirements within the specified timeframe. This often occurs when the applicant fails to respond to an office action, does not provide required information or fees, or fails to respond to inquiries from the Trademark Office within the designated deadlines. As a result, the application is considered incomplete and is abandoned, meaning it cannot proceed to registration unless remedial actions are taken, such as filing a petition to revive the application.

The other choices do not accurately describe the situation surrounding an abandoned application. For instance, if an application has been denied, it would indicate a final refusal rather than abandonment. Also, being "awaiting further examination" implies that the application is still in process, which conflicts with the status of abandonment. Lastly, active contestation of a trademark pertains to opposition proceedings rather than the status of the application itself, which fully ceases upon abandonment.