FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am not the applicant or registrant but my personal information is disclosed. How can I get it removed from the public record?

If personally identifying information, such as your name or address, has been disclosed in the public record for an application or registration that you are not involved with, please send an informal written request to TMFeedback@uspto.gov to remove the information from the record.

How may I send in my Fastener Quality Act (FQA) application?

FAQ application forms are accepted by U.S. mail or email. Forms should only be submitted via one method. Duplicate copies of forms are not to be submitted. If you wish to confirm receipt, please do not send a second copy with your request.

How long will it take before I know if my application has been accepted?

The USPTO processes applications for recordal and renewal in the order in which they are received. In the event a submission does not contain all of the required elements, the USPTO will return the entire application, along with a letter explaining the missing elements. No fees are processed for incomplete applications. A new application containing all of the required elements must be submitted. Generally, processing time varies from 7 to 10 working days, with delays possible due to federal holidays.

Our company changed its name. What must we do to update our recordal?

Requests to update recordals with a change of name and/or change of address may be submitted to the FQA mailing address, or by facsimile  to the TMFQA@uspto.gov email box. Requests regarding any change of address or change of name must be filed no later than six months after the change.

Can the Certificate of Recordal be transferred to a new owner?

No. The Certificate of Recordal may not be transferred or assigned, but it may be amended only to show a change of name or change of address.

What are the necessary FQA fees?

New applications require a US $20 fee. Renewals are also US $20. If the renewal application is submitted within the six months after the fifth anniversary of the recordal, a late surcharge of US $20 is required in addition to the US $20 renewal fee. If a renewal application is not submitted by the end of the six-month grace period, the owner must reapply for the same mark in a “new” application, which must be accompanied by the US $20 application fee.

How can I check the status of my application?

Once you receive a serial number for your application, you can check the status of your application through the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call the Trademark Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199 to request a status check. You should check on the status of your pending application every 3-4 months. If the USPTO has taken any action, you may need to respond promptly. All USPTO actions are available for viewing using TSDR.