On May 27, Tesla, Inc. filed three separate trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to use its name and logos for “restaurant services, pop-up restaurant services, self-service restaurant services, take-out restaurant services.” The applications, shown below, were filed under an “intent to use” basis.

What is an “intent to use” trademark application?

A trademark application filed under an “intent to use” basis means that the applicant has a bona fide intent to use the mark in commerce, but is not yet using it. This helps an applicant who is considering launching a new business or product protect the name prior to actual use. The trademark review process is similar, except that if approved, a trademark application filed under an intent to use basis will be issued a Notice of Allowance instead of a registration. The applicant must file the appropriate documentation once use has begun in order for a registration to issue.