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Monday Mar 22, 2010

Trademarks Next Generation

Blog by Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO David Kappos

 

I’d like to focus today on something in the works for Trademarks.   One of the goals I have for Trademarks is complete end-to-end electronic processing internally and externally. We’re calling our project Trademarks Next Generation, and I’m excited about providing a system that is faster, more practical, much more feature-rich, and reliable for both the public and our staff.

 

Virtualization and cloud computing are now industry standard in information technology solutions, and we want to take advantage of this technology in our aim to provide full end-to-end electronic processing for Trademarks. Harnessing this technology necessitates a redesign of our present system, giving us the opportunity to further functionality, flexibility and mobility for our users -- Trademarks employees, trademark applicants, and trademark owners.

 

To give you an idea, we’d like to provide trademark applicants and trademark owners the ability to manage applications and registrations on-line, as well as an automated “watch” service to notify requestors of status changes in applications and registrations, just to name a few functions.  Because the purpose of this initiative is to provide functionality and capabilities for *you*, we hope you’ll join us in moving forward with the project by sending your ideas and suggestions to TMideas@uspto.gov  or by posting them here on my blog.

 

I look forward to your input on this important initiative. 

Comments:

I recommend that the PTO begin working with outside software developers to create software for inputting data directly in TEAS etc from current trademark docketing systems. We are effectively doing the manual data inputting for the PTO which is very tedious and error prone. There must be a way to link TEAS with trademark docketing systems so we need not enter data twice.

Posted by MICHAEL MACDERMOTT on March 23, 2010 at 10:11 AM EDT #

David -- Thank you for launching TNG. This is a wonderful development for the trademark community.

Posted by John B. Farmer on March 24, 2010 at 04:39 AM EDT #

Match the description of the identification of goods/services available to the public at http://tess2.uspto.gov/netahtml/tidm.html with the one available with TEAS. For example, when looking for a description of a service provided by one of our clients with TESS we found a particular description that matches the good/services of a client. However, when weeks later we start preparing the application inside TEAS that same description is not available as provided with TESS.

Posted by Augusto Perera on March 25, 2010 at 10:16 AM EDT #

1. Create, like with patents, an online system where registered Trademark Attorneys can see their portfolio of cases (registered or pending trademarks) being handled by the USPTO. 2. Expedite the cancellation of registrations that went beyond the regular period for renewals under Sections 8 or 9. Often happens that registrations that were not renewed on time continue to be considered as registered online even after their grace period expired. 3. Include a way to contact a particular Examiner in the TARR report of a particular application. Before there was a field for "Attorney Assigned" with a name and phone number. Now it is only the name.

Posted by Augusto Perera on March 25, 2010 at 10:32 AM EDT #

Very good new all around, It is in my opinion about refining the process into it's simplest format. I commend your commerce minded approach, it is so easy to add to layer cake. The comments on http://www.uspto.gov/blog/director/entry/madrid_protocol_challenges_facing_trademark are meaningful in this area and await your comment ?

Posted by Jonathan on March 29, 2010 at 03:25 AM EDT #

Ideas are relatively easy to come by, but inventions are more difficult. It takes knowledge, time, money, and effort to refine an idea into a workable invention, even on paper. Turning an invention into an innovation - a new product accepted by the marketplace - takes a lot of effort and a little luck. There are substantial barriers in the path of those who pursue innovation. Overcoming them requires careful planning and plenty of input from others. <a href="http://www.secveizle.com">dizi izle</a>

Posted by dizi izle on April 03, 2010 at 11:58 AM EDT #

I recommend that the PTO begin working with outside software developers to create software for inputting data directly in TEAS etc from current trademark docketing systems. We are effectively doing the manual data inputting for the PTO which is very tedious and error prone. There must be a way to link TEAS with trademark docketing systems so we need not enter data twice. http://needforgame.net

Posted by nfg on April 04, 2010 at 07:11 AM EDT #

I thing that mostly registration were not renewed on time continue to be considered as registered online even after their grace period expired.

Posted by Kacey Jone on April 21, 2010 at 12:06 AM EDT #

Ideas are almost simple to appear by, but inventions are added difficult. It takes knowledge, time, money, and accomplishment to clarify an abstraction into a applicable invention, even on paper.

Posted by Tulip Kiya on April 21, 2010 at 12:26 AM EDT #

I think there should be atleast on change to include a way to contact a particular Examiner in the TARR report of a particular application. Before there was a field for "Attorney Assigned" with a name and phone number. Now it is only the name.

Posted by Fiona Smithe on April 21, 2010 at 01:27 AM EDT #

We are effectively doing the manual data inputting for the PTO which is very tedious and error prone. There must be a way to link TEAS with trademark docketing systems so we need not enter data twice.

Posted by Cho Yung Tea on April 21, 2010 at 10:59 PM EDT #

Virtualization and cloud computing are now industry standard in information technology solutions, and we want to take advantage of this technology in our aim to provide full end-to-end www.kupseker.net electronic processing for Trademarks. Harnessing this technology necessitates a redesign of our present system, giving us the opportunity to further functionality,

Posted by tatli tarifleri on April 25, 2010 at 03:15 AM EDT #

we recommend that the PTO begin working with outside software developers to create software for inputting data directly in TEAS etc from current trademark docketing systems. We are effectively doing the manual data inputting for the PTO which is very tedious and error prone. http://wikitvs.com

Posted by tv series on May 11, 2010 at 08:55 PM EDT #

As far as inputting manually i understand most government agency's have scanning technology. Google is scanning books at lightening speed why can't any simple form be submitted and reprocessed with OCR technology? <a href="http://www.garagedoorrepair-oakland.com/locations.kml">Garage Door Repair</a>

Posted by Larry Formey on June 08, 2010 at 11:09 PM EDT #

A few ideas for additions to the trademark systems as part of “Trademarks Next Generation”: • Add a TTAB proceeding link to TARR • Format all USPTO trademark pages for mobile browsers • show upcoming USPTO deadlines for Applicant responses in TARR • Allow users to save frequently used TESS searches • Allow for longer TESS search sessions when necessary • In TESS search results, provide a link to send the search results to another party • Make USPTO Office Action PDFs searchable • Make USPTO Office Action Response PDFs searchable • Publish TESS search system “application programming interface” (API) to encourage new ways and uses for searching the trademark registry - Erik Pelton - Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC - www.erikpelton.com

Posted by Erik Pelton on June 16, 2010 at 07:21 AM EDT #

How wish that getting a trademark is as easy as creating your domain name. This is not far fetched as technology is advancing fast and before we knew it things could happen at a click of a button, wink of an eye, or even through thoughts. http://www.foodbin-herbroom.com/

Posted by Joe@Intraday Trading on June 21, 2010 at 01:11 PM EDT #

Very good new all around, It is in my opinion about refining the process into it's simplest format. I commend your commerce minded approach, it is so easy to add to layer cake. The comments on http://www.uspto.gov/blog/director/entry/madrid_protocol_challenges_facing_trademark are meaningful in this area and await your comment ? http://www.likarte.com

Posted by nilou plasma on July 19, 2010 at 08:06 AM EDT #

Perhaps the PTO need look at and take a page from the IRS playbook - the IRS was able to integrate and come up with compatible online and technology outsourcing solutions for tax issues. Why can't the PTO http://sink-hole.com come up with similar (albeit different) technology advances?

Posted by John on July 20, 2010 at 02:17 PM EDT #

There must be a way to link TEAS with trademark docketing systems so we need not enter data twice. http://www.bestchisale.com

Posted by chi flat irons on July 23, 2010 at 05:15 AM EDT #

As you say Virtualization and cloud computing are now the standard in the industry. The trend I do see now are the focus on self service, identity management and user provisioning. To key to keeping the IT cost down are related to simplicity. What do the end users have to fill the same form twice? Why do they need to call help-desk to reset their password, when they with online service can get a new password on mail ? I do believe that cooperation's have much to learn from the online providers who are striving to keep their cost down.

Posted by Author of XenApp Blog on July 24, 2010 at 08:44 AM EDT #

Cloud computing has definitely helped ease things in many ways as far as communication and productivity tools. Your Trademark idea sounds very interesting and promising, thanks for the great article. http://internetfaxreviews.net/

Posted by Emrby on July 24, 2010 at 02:32 PM EDT #

I think USPTO need to upgrade its technology very urgently as the requirement or the ideas what is posted is not new actually those are age old and many other department and nearly all utility companies daily sue it . It is very low level database maintenance requirement with web interface integration for front end uploading and status checking and back end access and status update. you can visit contact us section of site http://www.iivdt.com for cut down version of this requirement. Any third party developer should be able to cater for this need at reasonable time frame and costs.

Posted by vlsi on July 25, 2010 at 08:10 AM EDT #

Perhaps the PTO need look at and take a page from the IRS playbook - the IRS was able to integrate and come up with compatible online and technology outsourcing solutions for tax issues. Why can't the PTO http://sandiegoroofersnow.com come up with similar (albeit different) technology advances?

Posted by Eric on July 25, 2010 at 01:14 PM EDT #

There is no doubt that our country is very quickly becoming more and more advanced with technology so why not infuse trademarks with that new trend. A lot of business in the U.S. relies heavily on the Internet, seeing that almost all businesses have a website or at least a Twitter page. Trademarks are just one more thing that I believe should be infused into the Internet, but that's just my viewpoint. Overall, I think TNG will be a great addition and I look forward to hearing about it more in the future. http://www.gadgetsforthehome.net

Posted by Stephen on July 25, 2010 at 04:47 PM EDT #

Making trademark accessible through mobile devices is a great way to communicate and get updates in the now time. I look forward in sending out a few ideas f our own. mobile marketing is the next rush.

Posted by Mobile Marketing on July 26, 2010 at 12:42 AM EDT #

I can't think of a better implentation of something that need more change than the Trademarks website, everything is about changes, our internet changes every second and we must change with it to stay abreast of what's going on. And making a website more user friendly for it's consumers is the # 1 poragative! Linda Baldridge - Social Business Pop - www.socialbusinesspop.com

Posted by Social Business Pop on July 26, 2010 at 02:17 PM EDT #

Agree with Augusto Perera — there must be a way to contact a particular Examiner in the TARR report of a particular application. Researching for contacts of particluar Examiner is not an easy item. <a href=http://ainursafin.com>Ainur Safin, b2b marketer</a>

Posted by Ainur on July 28, 2010 at 02:07 AM EDT #

I want to make my own recommendation to PTO. I would recommend that the PTO begin working with outside software developers to create software for inputting data directly in TEAS etc from current trademark docketing systems. Often the manual data inputting for US institutions can be very tedious and error prone. There must be a way to link TEAS with trademark docketing systems so we need not enter data twice. http://www.creandonegocios.com/

Posted by Francisco Moriones on July 28, 2010 at 01:11 PM EDT #

I agree with most of the other comments, the Trademarks website needs an overhaul and terms need to be consistent and duplicate data entry eliminated when possible. http://www.mypodcarkit.com

Posted by mypodcarkit on July 28, 2010 at 06:26 PM EDT #

With many people starting businesses in this uncertain economy, it only makes sense to streamline all of our processes including the application process for trademarks. The faster we can accomplish trademark registration the faster we can all help fuel our struggling recovery. It takes a lot of work to develop company trademarks and entering data twice is unproductive. I agree that the approach of simplifying and automating is the absolutely right idea in 2010. http://poosawantosreview.com

Posted by poosawantosreview-marketing knowlegde transfer on July 29, 2010 at 10:18 AM EDT #

I thing that mostly registration were not renewed on time continue to be considered as registered online even after their grace period expired.

Posted by www.bestchisale.com on July 29, 2010 at 07:37 PM EDT #

This is an excellent move forward, specially, for individuals like me, as an Internet marketer. I publish high value contents from my research, studies and experience, on Internet marketing, and also provide guidance and help in locating a good "MLM Business Opportunity". In this age of plagiarism, your trademark program will be a deterrent for people bend on publishing another person's content. I look forward to seeing this go live. Vat http://www.marketing-strategies-to-succeed-online.com/mlm-business-opportunity.html

Posted by Vat Thilek on July 30, 2010 at 09:46 AM EDT #

I notice this blog was posted March 22, 2010. Has there been any advances or decisions made since? It sure would be nice to have this available via mobile. I agree with Mobile Marketing, I feel anything that is available via the internet should be phone friendly as well. www.scottfoleymultimedia.com

Posted by Scott Foley on July 30, 2010 at 03:44 PM EDT #

Good to see you guys moving in the direction of the cloud and virtualization. It has been a huge topic of discussion around our HTG Peer Groups and other IT circles (ConnectWise, AutoTask etc). Good Luck Stuart Crawford http://www.ulistic.com

Posted by Stuart Crawford on July 31, 2010 at 11:33 AM EDT #

I think that most registrations that were not renewed on time should continue to be considered as registered online even after their grace period expired. http://www.direct-2you.com/storm8

Posted by kazanganti on July 31, 2010 at 08:53 PM EDT #

I certainly approve of the direction planned by David as this is something that is both timely and necessary. However, there is another issue that should perhaps be evaluated as a part of the future mandate of all such title claim registrations. As registrations are fee accompanied in exchange for an ‘originality title claim' I feel the Patent Office should thus become a party to the security of same against possible abuse or piracy. Surely it is reasonable that the Patent Office should be supportive where a possible breach is encountered (anyone in any country misusing the registered owners title claim details), where upon request it might lodge an Injunctive Order against the offender that can ONLY be dislodged by a Court Order without costs. This would provide value where any attempting to breach rightful registration would be blocked by your office by an automatic injunction which would require a self funded Court Order to remove it. http://www.wiper-wizard.com

Posted by Brian on August 01, 2010 at 02:22 AM EDT #

I realize it is not your business to police it, but perhaps a useful extended service, possibly even one that can readily be monitized, would be to help trademark owners know when someone is infringing on their rights. Maybe it would be a service as simple as a list of the webpages on which the trademark name is found. Effectively a google links kind of service. http://www.SanDiegosFinestRealEstate.com

Posted by San Diego Real Estate Agent on August 01, 2010 at 10:38 AM EDT #

Please ignore my previous comment- I submitted before I'd finished! I agree with Michael that there must be a way to link TEAS with trademark docketing systems so we need not enter data twice. I also think that Erik raises a very valid point in saying that one should format all USPTO trademark pages for mobile browsers- seeing as 5x more people are using phones than the internet, this seems a very sensible way of making everything as accessible as possible http://mobilemonopolyonline.com

Posted by Charli Mobile on August 02, 2010 at 03:33 AM EDT #

david, a function like the one you're mentioning "automated “watch” service to notify requestors of status changes in applications and registrations" will be welcomed. only if we had that in the past... :( cheers, traian @ www.pitstopmedia.com

Posted by traiann on August 02, 2010 at 11:59 AM EDT #

Absolutely! I think all processes like registering business names, or trademarks, patents, all needs to be online in this day in age. Everything is moving to the 'cloud' for good reason. It works. It makes sense to have all that data accessible from anywhere, and searchable by the WWW. Just my thoughts. Ryan - BeeHiveTech.com

Posted by BeeHiveTech.com on August 03, 2010 at 12:08 PM EDT #

Awesome idea! I believe we should all harness the power of the internet and the vast capabilities it has to make everyone's life easier. I know that being able to track my trademark's processing status would be a great addition to the system. I especially like the online registration.

Posted by Ernest Morse on August 06, 2010 at 07:36 AM EDT #

I just wanted to post a short note on how delighted I am to see changes occurring at Trademarks regarding the "complete end-to-end electronic processing internally and externally." I trust that the earmarked project Trademarks New Gengeration" will provide a system that is quicker, and a lot more practical for the end users. I am sure it will be much more reliable us the users and your staff. Sincerely, Daniel Tétreault.

Posted by Daniel@SEOvictoria on August 16, 2010 at 07:36 PM EDT #

I just build a website that automates the copyright registration process, but this sounds like it would have made my life much easier.

Posted by Montana Flynn on August 18, 2010 at 01:51 PM EDT #

I have no idea how to trademark anything because I've never really checked it out. Right from the start I just think it's totally confusing, but if it was put online I would probably start checking it out. I would maybe even get my own trademark. It would be even better if they made a facebook application for it... That last statement was a joke. http://www.dollarhauler.com

Posted by Stephen With Surveys That Pay Money on September 17, 2010 at 06:20 PM EDT #

Totally agree. International domain registrations are also moving towards automatization after years of documentation and manual handling for no apparent reason. Christopher Hofman European Domain Centre

Posted by Christopher "European Domain" Hofman on September 29, 2010 at 12:55 AM EDT #

It is about time to let TradeMark holders manage their trademarks online. Finally, the USPTO is moving into the 21st Century. I specialize on new Cyber Tools for the 21st Century and this is a move in the right direction. http://buzzhillmarketing.wordpress.com/

Posted by Buzz Hill on October 02, 2010 at 03:20 AM EDT #

oooh this is exciting! I am going to submit... :) Good luck to all the applicants, I can't wait to see who is chosen! <a href="http://www.airjordans.cc/jordan-ajf12-31/">AJF 12</a>

Posted by AJF 12 on October 05, 2010 at 04:38 PM EDT #

Utilizing the latest technology to better manage your office only makes sense and better serves those who access it. I would favor any and all upgrades that can be done and still provide a secure environment for accessing your information.

Posted by Bill on October 12, 2010 at 11:45 AM EDT #

I agree that the process of obtaining a patent needs to be simplified to encourage enterprise and ideas for business growth. After all our economy desperately needs to encourage and help the businesses, large and small. Any effort along this path is to be encouraged. http://www.babyboomersinternetjourney.com

Posted by John Ward on October 13, 2010 at 07:30 AM EDT #

Yes, cloud computing can be really useful but I am not sure how it can be useful to the trademark process. In my mind, a person filing for a trademark has one or two trademarks in his mind. Then they search the TESS database to find a hit. Maybe a cloud computing API might be useful to someone who has a lot of trademarks that needs to be verified in TESS. But does that happen in real life? Am I missing something here? Daniel. http://www.halfup.com/

Posted by Daniel on October 13, 2010 at 08:29 PM EDT #

I cant wait for the system to be implement. At this age and time, speed is the new king and we all want instantaneous information. Trademarks is going to be a huge thing in the future. Kudos to your project and good luck! http://www.rebuildingmarriage.com

Posted by Jerome Tatler on October 17, 2010 at 06:34 PM EDT #

It seems like a good idea to update the system. But what a huge task! Greg Collins http://techsupportnerds.com

Posted by Greg Collins on October 20, 2010 at 02:37 PM EDT #

I find that the biggest task is the implementing the new on a global scale. Trademarks will continue to dominate our futures and legal procedures until a global system can be forged out by agencies such as the OECD. Good article I will keep an eye out for any updates.www.alacarte-paris-apartments.com

Posted by Richard in Paris on November 04, 2010 at 01:02 AM EDT #

Hi David, It is great to see the USPTO focusing on this. Last time I filed for a trademark I used one of those online sites that you pay about $200 to file for you. It seemed pretty ridiculous to have to pay that much to them for just basically setting up a user friendly site that is easier to use than USPTO's site. According to them they simplify and cut down the registration time by about an hour. And I think it is true because when I tried filing it myself on USPTO's site I didn't even know where to start. I think a good idea to start would be to actually look on these sites that offer the service and do it even better than them. Recently I opened a new business http://handtrucks2go.com/ and I am just too cheap too pay these guys again. I would love to see a simplified USPTO site that would save myself and so many other people money. Thanks for your good work!

Posted by Haskel on November 09, 2010 at 09:26 AM EST #

I think this is a great idea - if you can couple it with a simple but through search capability so that others can both search for other marks as well as compare theirs to ensure it is not already in use (I know this is done now - but, it needs to be easier and quicker). Or, have your system spider the web and try to find duplicate marks (our mark has changed as it has been copied several times - see http://www.businessmoneytoday.com - some we have found and some we have not YET). But, I like the idea of using cloud computing and streamline the system - anything to help business owners get moving faster.

Posted by Joseph on January 22, 2011 at 02:38 AM EST #

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