📅 2026 Update: Changes in Trademark Application Processes

Since the original article was published, several important updates have occurred in the trademark application process. The USPTO has made significant changes that affect how applicants file and manage their trademarks. The details below will help you understand these changes, and the earlier article will continue further down the page.

🔄 Transition to Trademark Center

On January 18, 2025, the USPTO introduced the Trademark Center. This new system replaced the previous Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) for filing trademark applications and related activities. All applications must now be submitted through this centralized platform.

📄 Retirement of Forms

In late October 2026, the USPTO retired several forms, including the Voluntary Amendment form and commonly used maintenance and renewal forms. These forms can no longer be filed through TEAS and must now be submitted via the Trademark Center.

🌍 Madrid Protocol Filing Changes

As of October 1, 2026, the USPTO stopped accepting outbound Madrid Protocol applications through TEAS. Applicants must now use the WIPO Madrid e-Filing system for international trademark applications based on U.S. applications and registrations.

⏳ Processing Times

The average wait time for the first examining action has been noted as 4.3 months, with a target of 5.0 months. The time from filing to registration or abandonment averages 10.4 months, with a target of 11.0 months. These times indicate a slight delay in the overall processing of applications.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🔄 Transitioned to Trademark Center for applications.
  • 📄 Certain forms retired and must be submitted via Trademark Center.
  • 🌍 Madrid Protocol applications now require WIPO’s Madrid e-Filing.
  • ⏳ Average processing times have increased.
  • 📑 Clear trademark drawings are still a requirement.

💡 Tips for Trademark Applications

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney is important before proceeding with any trademark application.

📝 Understand Filing Bases

Applicants can choose to file based on actual use in commerce or a bona fide intention to use the trademark. Knowing the right basis is crucial for a successful application.

⏰ Responding to Office Actions

When you receive an office action, you have three months to respond to avoid abandonment of your application. An optional extension may be requested for a fee, giving you more time if needed.

📅 File Statement of Use on Time

For those with intent-to-use applications, it’s important to file your Statement of Use within six months of receiving a notice of allowance. This ensures that your application stays active.

🔒 Set Up Identity Verification

To access the Trademark Center, you need a USPTO.gov account with multifactor authentication. This step is essential for security and smooth processing.

📚 Utilize USPTO Resources

The USPTO offers various resources, including guides and videos, to help applicants navigate the trademark application process. These resources can clarify requirements and procedures.

🏆 Trademark Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section reviews services related to trademark registration and management. These services can assist applicants in navigating the trademark process effectively. The following rankings are based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026.

Ratings can change over time, and star ratings represent only one aspect of user experience.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It has been known for providing comprehensive legal services, including trademark applications and filings. Reviewers appreciate its user-friendly platform, but some users report delays in processing and mention that it is generally more expensive than competitors.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. This service is recognized for its affordable legal services and easy-to-use document creation tools. However, some users find the subscription model may not suit everyone, and others mention that the platform can be complex to navigate.

🆓 Free USPTO Resources

The USPTO offers free resources such as guides, videos, and a Trademark Assistance Center. These resources help applicants understand the trademark application process and provide support for questions regarding filing and application status.

🔎 Considerations When Choosing Trademark Services

  • 📈 Compare Trustpilot ratings and review counts.
  • 🏷️ Look for transparency in pricing and potential additional fees.
  • 🤝 Assess the types of legal services offered and their relevance to trademark needs.
  • ⚡ Check for user feedback on processing times and customer support.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is a Trademark Center?

The Trademark Center is the new platform for filing trademark applications and managing related activities, replacing TEAS as of January 18, 2025.

🚨 How do I respond to an office action?

You must respond to an office action within three months of the issue date. You can also request a three-month extension for a fee.

📄 What is a Statement of Use?

A Statement of Use (SOU) is a document filed by applicants with intent to use their trademark, showing that the mark is in use in commerce.

🌐 How do I file an international trademark?

As of October 1, 2026, international trademark applications based on U.S. registrations must be filed through WIPO’s Madrid e-Filing system.

🔍 What are the recent processing times for trademark applications?

The average time from filing a new trademark application to the first examining action is 4.3 months, while the total time to registration or abandonment averages 10.4 months.

📞 Where can I get help with my trademark application?

The USPTO provides various resources, including guides and a Trademark Assistance Center, to help applicants understand the process and answer questions.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Trademark Law

Recent court rulings highlight important issues in trademark law, including decisions on trademark disputes and application processes. Understanding these rulings can provide insight into current practices and how they relate to trademark applications.

For more recent rulings, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





When submitting the required trademark drawing 



When a trademark drawing includes a color component, the application must be submitted with a document referred to as a "color claim", and a statement as to how the trademark uses color. For instance, it should be indicated whether the color being used is based on an established and commercially offered color scheme.



The visual details used in a trademark drawing should comprise only the mark being proposed, without additional or contextual images. The symbols used in registration (®) or classification (TM, SM), for instance, should be excluded from the trademark drawing.



When submitting a trademark drawing through the online TEAS service, the image file must be in the JPEG format. If the trademark drawing includes a color element, then the colors should be rendered through the RGB (red, green, blue), and not the CYMK (cyan, yellow, magenta, key black) scheme.

Requirements of Trademark Drawing


If the trademark drawing is being presented in black and white, then it must be rendered through a black and white process, or otherwise the trademark drawing will be appear to be multicolored. The range of pixels which can be interpreted by the TEAS scanner can be rendered between 994 and 250, and with the dots per inch (DPI) falling between 300 and 350.



If the trademark drawing does not include a design component, it may be submitted as a standard drawing. The permissible symbols to be displayed in such a filing are specified in the standard character set of the Patent and Trademark Office. A trademark lying outside those bounds must be submitted as a stylized trademark drawing.