While more than 98% of trademark applications are now filed electronically, only 77% are being prosecuted electronically from
beginning to end; i.e., all subsequent submissions are made through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS)
combined with authorizing the USPTO to communicate with the applicant or its representative exclusively via email. The U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) believes that, to the extent that it can achieve end-to-end electronic processing of all
applications, all trademark applicants will benefit.
Benefits of Full Electronic Filing and Communication
With end-to-end electronic processing, applications go through the system more quickly at a lower cost. Further, by filing
electronically, applicants can ensure the accuracy of data entry.
(1) TIME
1. On average, almost 35% of all TEAS PLUS applications proceed directly to publication without an Office action. For paper and
TEAS applications, that number is significantly lower.
2. The average time from filing to disposal (i.e., registration, notice of allowance or abandonment, excluding cases with suspensions,
TTAB proceedings and amendments to allege use) is 9.4 months for TEAS PLUS applications, 10.8 months for TEAS applications,
and 12.5 months for paper applications.
(2) MONEY
1. Applicants save money up front with lower electronic application fees. Current fees are:
-TEAS PLUS: $275 per class (TEAS PLUS applications must be filed and prosecuted end-to-end electronically and the applicant
must choose its goods and services from a pre-approved list.)
applicant does not need to choose from a pre-approved list of goods.)
-Paper: $375 per class.
2. Filing a TEAS PLUS application significantly reduces the chance that the applicant will receive an Office action based on the
description of goods and services and therefore saves on overall costs to applicant.
(3) DATA ACCURACY
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