Identity verification for attorney support staff

We’ve changed our policy to require all current and new attorney support staff to complete a one-time identity verification using our online or paper verification options. This is a change from our previous practice of allowing U.S.-licensed attorneys to verify their support staff at the time of sponsorship.  

Beginning January 20, 2024, all existing and new attorney support staff will be required to verify their identities using the online or paper options before they can access trademark filing systems. In addition to verification, sponsorship by a supervising U.S.-licensed attorney is still required. When logging into trademark filing systems, attorney support staff are now prompted to verify their identity. Though they have the option to skip this step until the deadline, we strongly encourage all support staff to verify as soon as possible. 

We’re making this change due to many instances of U.S.-licensed attorneys using the sponsorship tool to sponsor accounts for individuals who are not directly supervised by the attorney. The new requirement protects all trademark stakeholders by helping us combat abuse of our filing systems, limit fraudulent trademark filings, and enforce the “one person, one account” rule outlined in the account agreement.  

For complete information about how this change impacts sponsorship, read our common questions on sponsorship. You can also email TEAS@uspto.gov if you have questions or need assistance.