As of late 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has implemented significant trademark fee increases, transitioned to a new Trademark Center filing system, and issued sanctions against foreign filing firms. Globally, other trademark offices have also been active, with updates to international filing standards and the adoption of new AI tools.
U.S. Trademark Office news (USPTO)
Fee increases and updated filing system
- New fee structure: Effective January 18, 2025, the USPTO increased fees for new trademark applications and renewals.
- Trademark Center: The old TEAS application forms were retired. All applications must now be submitted through the new Trademark Center system, which automatically tracks fees and application costs.
- Elimination of TEAS Plus: The lower-priced TEAS Plus filing option has been discontinued. All new applications are now submitted as “Base Applications” with a higher per-class fee. Applicants can incur additional surcharges for using free-form text or for lengthy descriptions of goods and services.
Enforcement actions and policy
- Sanctions against foreign firms: In June 2025, the USPTO issued sanctions against a foreign filing firm for submitting false information and improperly signing trademark submissions.
- Tackling fraudulent filings: These sanctions are part of the USPTO’s ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the U.S. intellectual property system and combat fraudulent filings by foreign actors.
Digital tools and technology
- TTAB Center beta: The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) launched a new beta system to file notices of opposition and cancellation petitions online, modernizing its customer experience.
- Enhanced search system: A new cloud-based trademark search system was introduced to provide a more reliable and multi-faceted search experience. It offers basic and advanced search options.
Office operations
- Regional office closure: The USPTO announced in October 2025 that it is permanently closing its Rocky Mountain Regional Outreach Office in Denver.
- Operational funding: The USPTO has continued to remain open and fully operational, using operating reserves during the federal government shutdown in October 2025.