Safeguarding attorney information from improper use in trademark filings

To help the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) maintain the integrity of the trademark filing process, we recommend that attorneys proactively monitor our database for trademark filings that use their names, signatures, and contact information without their knowledge or consent.

We’re actively monitoring and addressing this issue, which appears to involve a relatively small number of filings. Still, we recommend attorneys regularly check the filing database for use of their information.

Monitor your information in filings

To search for records in which you are designated as the attorney-of-record, use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS):

  1. Access TESS and select the “Word and/or Design Mark Search (Structured)” search option.
  2. Enter your last name in the first “Search Term” box and your first name in the second “Search Term” box.
  3. From the drop-down menu in the “Field” boxes, select “Attorney of Record” as the field for both search terms.
  4. Change the “Operator” field to “AND.”
  5. Select “Submit Query” and review the search results.

For additional TESS instructions, refer to the Word and/or Design mark search (structured) instructions.

Report improper use of your information

If you suspect a trademark submission has improperly used your information, notify the USPTO by emailing TMPolicy@uspto.gov

Please include your name, the relevant application serial/registration number(s), the type and date of submission(s), and a brief description of the circumstances. We will work with you to address the issue.

Future security measures

In October, we implemented phase one of the mandatory TEAS login. In phases two and three, we plan to add security measures to verify account holder information and allow for more control and delegation of access to trademark filing forms.