Opportunity
Federal Register #Docket No. PTO-T-2026-0166
USPTO Updates Electronic Filing System Terminology for Madrid Protocol Filings
Buyer
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Posted
July 15, 2026
Identifier
Docket No. PTO-T-2026-0166
This announcement from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), under the Department of Commerce, details a regulatory update regarding electronic filing systems for international trademark applications: - The USPTO is amending its regulations to use generic terminology for electronic filing systems in Madrid Protocol filings - Replaces references to specific USPTO systems (e.g., Trademark Electronic Application System/TEAS) with broader terms - The update supports a technology transition allowing filers to use the Madrid e-Filing system operated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - USPTO's own systems, including TEAS and the future Trademark Center, will remain available during the transition - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are being procured or named in this rule - The rule does not change filing requirements, statutory obligations, or introduce new procurement needs
Description
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a final rule to update the terminology used in electronic filing systems for international trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol. This rule substitutes generic terms for specific electronic filing system names without changing filing requirements or statutory obligations. The amendment supports a technology update enabling submissions through the WIPO-operated Madrid e-Filing system while maintaining availability of USPTO systems until transition completion. The rule is effective July 15, 2026.