The COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous effect on businesses of all sizes and the United States Patent and Trademark Office was no exception.

Overnight, companies had to create virtual experiences for their customers and transition employees to virtual work. This digital transformation forced companies to change their business models and adapt to the new market reality.

As part of its efforts to adapt to this new reality, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has made the move to full electronic processing of trademark applications and registrations. Effective June 7, 2022, the USPTO will begin issuing electronic trademark registration certificates.

According to the USPTO, “the transition to electronic registration certificates will give trademark owners easier access to their registrations and allow them to receive their certificates quickly after their trademark is registered.”

A Necessary Step

After surveying customers and their preference to receive their registration certificates in a digital format, going digital at scale with certificates was a natural and necessary step for the USPTO. Not only is this move better for the environment (save the trees), but it’s better for the end user as electronic certificates are immediately accessible, decrease the time for customers to receive paper copies and streamlines the USPTO’s efforts to implement beginning-to-end electronic processing for trademark applications.

What if I still want a paper copy of my trademark certificate?

There’s still a lot of charm and excitement with receiving a physical copy of your trademark certificate. Thankfully trademark holders still have the option to order physical copies to proudly display, for a fee, of course.*

These paper copies are either “presentation” copies or certified paper copies of their trademark registrations. Presentation copies are suitable for framing and will have the shiny gold foil seal, identify the owner of the trademark and display details of your products, programs and services on the trademark itself. (It’s the same thing we send our customers who upgrade to our Trademark Party box experience.)

Trademark owners who file an initial application on or after June 7, 2022 can purchase one for $25 from the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).

Certified copies can also be ordered by trademark owners for $15. This printed copy can be used in legal proceedings or foreign filings as they certify the trademark’s status and title, and includes the signature of an authorized certifying officer.

*Owners who filed an initial application before June 7, 2022 can order a presentation copy for free.

Author Bio

Ticora is an award-winning Trademark and Business Lawyer and Founder of The Creator’s Law Firm – a thriving trademark law firm serving hundreds of clients in all 50 states. She has been featured on VH1, Black Enterprise, Forbes, Facebook, and more. Interested in a trademark? Get the support you deserve and complete our inquiry form today.