USPTO Delays the Effective Date for Identity Verification Requirement for Trademark Filers

Since the USPTO launched its trademark filer verification processes in January, in advance of the previously scheduled date of April 9 for the identity verification becoming mandatory, filers choosing to verify their identities have had the option to do so via a notarized paper process, or electronically via an online digital process through ID.me. To date, more than 20,000 filers have elected to verify their identities, and identity verification will continue to serve as an additional tool to bring more security to the filing process and our trademark register.

The USPTO is evaluating and soliciting feedback on its online digital identity verification option and has announced the postponement of the April 9 effective date upon which verification was scheduled to become mandatory. The USPTO will announce a new effective date at an appropriate time with reasonable advance notice.Those who elect to complete the identity verification process before the effective date may do so using either the notarized paper identity verification process or the online digital identity verification process.

More information can be found at the USPTO’s ID verification for trademark filers webpage and questions can be emailed to TEAS@uspto.gov.