Non-final Office Action (GNRT)
A non-final Office Action means the USPTO examining attorney has raised at least one issue with your trademark application but has not made a final decision. You usually have three months to respond with arguments, amendments, or evidence. Missing the deadline can abandon the application.
Updated September 2, 2026 · Reviewed by CopyMark Law Group
- Official USPTO wording
- NON-FINAL ACTION E-MAILED / MAILED
- Also recorded as
- GNRT, CNRT, GNRN
- Typical next step
- Read the Office Action carefully, identify each issue listed, and prepare a response addressing every point. Many applicants work with a trademark attorney to draft arguments and amendments.
- Typical deadline
- You typically have three months from the issue date to respond. One extension of three months may be available for a fee. Treat the deadline as firm — late responses can abandon the application.
What this means
The examining attorney reviewed your application and found problems — such as a likelihood-of-confusion refusal, a descriptiveness issue, or a specimen problem. A non-final action is your chance to fix or argue against those objections before the USPTO issues a final refusal.
What usually happens next
Read the Office Action carefully, identify each issue listed, and prepare a response addressing every point. Many applicants work with a trademark attorney to draft arguments and amendments.
You typically have three months from the issue date to respond. One extension of three months may be available for a fee. Treat the deadline as firm — late responses can abandon the application.
Related codes
Related CopyMark guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GNRT, CNRT, and GNRN?
These are internal USPTO codes for the same substantive event — a non-final Office Action. GNRT and CNRT indicate the action was e-mailed or physically mailed; GNRN is the notification record. The legal effect is the same: you need to respond.
Is a non-final Office Action a rejection?
Not yet. A non-final action raises objections but leaves the door open for a response. If you overcome every issue, prosecution can continue toward publication or registration. A final refusal is a stronger negative decision.
What happens if I do not respond to a non-final Office Action?
If no timely response is filed, the USPTO will usually issue a notice of abandonment. The application becomes dead unless you successfully petition to revive within a limited window.