Why Tracking Your Trademark Status Matters
Filing your trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office is an important milestone, but your work does not end there. Once the application is submitted, a new responsibility begins. You must actively monitor the status of your filing to ensure that you never miss updates, deadlines, or legal notices that could affect your rights. Many founders mistakenly believe the USPTO will send consistent updates, but it is entirely the applicant’s duty to check in. At Cohn Legal, PLLC, we always remind clients that your brand is your most valuable asset. Staying vigilant during the examination process is part of protecting it.
Monitoring your trademark application is easier once you understand the system. The USPTO provides a public portal called the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval system, known as TSDR. This is where your full application history lives, along with examiner notes, office actions, deadlines, and future maintenance information. Understanding how to use TSDR gives you insight, control, and peace of mind.
The First Step: Find and Save Your Serial Number
Every trademark application is assigned a unique serial number at the time of filing. This number is your key to accessing TSDR and viewing your complete case file. You will find the serial number on your filing receipt, confirmation email, or attorney correspondence. Keeping this number easily accessible will make it simple to track your application as it moves through each phase. Without it, you cannot view your file or monitor your status, so it is important to store it safely from the very beginning.
How to Use the USPTO TSDR System
Once you have your serial number, visit the TSDR webpage and enter the number into the search field. This immediately pulls up everything related to your application. TSDR shows your current status, the timeline of events, important dates, and all documents associated with your file. You will see examiner letters, your submitted specimens, corrections, responses, and attorney correspondence. Each update appears in real time, which is why the platform is the most reliable way to understand what is happening with your application at any given moment.
Your status will change as the USPTO examines your application. When a reviewing attorney is assigned to your file, TSDR will reflect that action. The examination phase can last several months, and regular check-ins help ensure you do not miss developments. If the examiner raises any issues or concerns, the USPTO will issue an office action. TSDR will display that letter immediately, along with the deadline to respond. Since office actions are time-sensitive, being proactive in checking the system makes a significant difference in how smoothly your registration process moves.
What to Expect During Publication
If your application passes examination and is approved by the attorney examiner, TSDR will show a future date for publication in the Official Gazette. Publication is a thirty day period in which third parties who believe your mark conflicts with theirs may file an opposition or an extension to oppose. This is an important stage that many founders overlook. If an opposition is filed, your case moves to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Every action in this stage appears in TSDR and should be monitored closely. Understanding the updates early allows you and your attorney to prepare a strategic response if necessary.
If no opposition is filed, your mark will move toward either a registration certificate or a notice of allowance depending on the type of application you filed. For intent to use applications, a notice of allowance means you must file a statement of use or request more time. Many applicants miss this step, which results in an abandoned application. Checking TSDR regularly helps prevent these oversights and keeps your brand’s progress on track.
How Often You Should Check Your Status
The USPTO recommends checking your trademark status at least every three to four months. This is not just a suggestion. It is a precaution to protect you against missed correspondence or mailing errors. A single missed notice can delay or derail your entire registration. By checking TSDR regularly, you catch updates early, identify deadlines, and maintain full control over your trademark journey.
Checking more frequently is even better for founders who want to stay highly engaged in the process. Whether you handle this yourself or rely on your attorney, the goal is the same. You want to avoid surprises, missed deadlines, or misunderstandings.
Why Monitoring Helps Protect Your Brand
Understanding how to track your trademark status helps you stay connected to the lifecycle of your application. It also empowers business owners to take action when needed. If your address changes, if your attorney withdraws, or if you notice incorrect ownership information, early detection prevents these issues from turning into costly delays. The moment you catch something off track, you can fix it.
Trademark registration is not merely a filing. It is an ongoing process that demands awareness and responsibility. Staying informed puts you in the best position for success and builds the foundation for long term brand protection. At Cohn Legal, PLLC, we support founders through every phase of the process, from submission to final registration and beyond. Think big and protect your brand every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Tracking your USPTO trademark status online is your best tool for staying informed, avoiding missed deadlines, and ensuring your application continues moving forward. Whether you monitor the file yourself or work with counsel, staying engaged strengthens your rights and protects your investment in your brand. Your trademark journey becomes far smoother when you understand how TSDR works and why it matters. If you have questions about what you see in the system or need help interpreting your status, our team is always ready to guide you.