A trademark number is assigned by the USPTO to pending or registered trademarks, and can be used to search the database for information. TESS is used for searches, and a filing receipt with a serial number is given to applicants. The number must be used for correspondence and checking status.
A trademark number is the number assigned to a pending or registered trademark. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) assigns the number which is often no longer than seven digits. Pending trademarks are assigned serial numbers and registered trademarks are assigned a registration number. The public can search general information on pending and registered trademarks in the USPTO database using the trademark number. Individuals are often advised by the USPTO and attorneys to search the database before filing a trademark to see if another individual or entity already has a complaint about a particular trademark.
Individuals can use the Electronic Trademark Search System (TESS) database to conduct a trademark number search. The database is maintained and provided by the USPTO on its website. As long as the brand doesn’t contain a design element, people simply search using a registered number or serial number. Brands with a design element often need to be searched using a design code. The USPTO also has a public search facility for people to research trademarks in person during office hours.
Once a trademark application has been filed, the applicant receives a filing receipt with a serial number. This trade mark number can be used by the applicant to check the status of the application. For example, an applicant can call the USPTO or use the Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) database to see if registration is still pending or if trademarks have been registered. The USPTO recommends applicants check status at least once every six months. The USPTO can take more than a year to register a trademark, and some trademarks take several years.
Any letter sent by the USPTO once the trademark number has been assigned will contain the applicant’s serial number and USPTO reference. The individual must also indicate the serial or registered number when corresponding with the USPTO or submitting additional documents. For example, an applicant may wish to file exhibits with the brand after submitting an initial application and should refer to the serial number on the letter and to the exhibit itself. The numbers help facilitate the processing of applications and other legal documents associated with pending and registered trademarks. The volume of trademark applications and related documents is often so voluminous that it makes it difficult for the USPTO to find and process correspondence without those numbers.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
