TEAS NUTS AND BOLTS:
TEAS Plus vs. TEAS Standard

MARK: Welcome to the trademark electronic application filing system for the United States Patent and Trademark Office. For your convenience, the office has created two versions of the electronic initial application form: TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard.

Both options provide a pathway to seek registration, but the USPTO designed the TEAS Plus application to provide a less expensive and more streamlined path. In exchange for filing a complete initial application, you receive a reduced filing fee. If you can't file a complete initial application, you can file a TEAS Standard application, for the standard filing fee. For more information about the similarities and differences between the application options, check out the comparison chart, available on USPTO.gov.

To file a complete application under TEAS Plus, you must complete all fields marked with a red asterisk. These fields are mandatory. If you realize you cannot make an entry at this time, you can start over using the TEAS Standard form.

The only exception to the red asterisk rule is when the field is not relevant to the facts of your case. For example, if your mark is in English, you are not required to submit a Translation or Transliteration, as no foreign words or characters appear in your mark.

In addition to filing a complete application, you must select your listing of goods and services from the USPTO's Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual (also known as the "ID Manual"). If acceptable wording does not appear in the ID Manual, you must create your own ID in your own words and use TEAS Standard.

If you fail to file a complete TEAS Plus application, the Office will remove your TEAS Plus status and treat your application as a TEAS Standard application. You will be required to pay an additional application processing fee per International Class.

It is your choice whether to file under TEAS Plus or TEAS Standard, but be aware that a TEAS Plus application lowers your filing fee and increases the likelihood that your application will move more quickly toward publication and registration.

To begin the form, make your choice and indicate whether an attorney is filing the application.

Remember, if your domicile is outside the United States, you must have a U.S.-licensed attorney represent you before the Office.

Click “Continue” to move on to the next section of the form.