IP Hot Topic: USPTO Doubles Down on Trademark Security – Is Your Email Current?

As part of its ongoing effort to stop scammers from third-party trademark applications and registrations, the USPTO has enhanced security of the Change Address or Representation (CAR) forms by adding authorization requirements.

What does this mean? It means that when a CAR is filed following the filing of a Revocation of Power of Attorney, the USPTO will send the owner an authorization request to confirm the change of representation is being made with the owner’s consent. Because this authorization request will come via email, and an authorization response is currently required within 48 hours, it is a good time to confirm that the email address included in your trademark applications and/or registration maintenance filings is accurate and current.

CAR forms may be filed for a number of reasons, including the following:

• Change the owner’s address (resulting in a change of correspondence address if owner is not represented by an attorney)
• Change of attorney’s address (resulting in a change of correspondence address)
• Change of domestic representative’s address
• Withdrawal of domestic representative
• Revocation/appointment of attorney/domestic representative
• Request to replace attorney of record with another already-appointed attorney

If you receive an email that appears to be from the USPTO, and you are represented by counsel, please confirm with your counsel that you should provide the requested authorization. If you are not represented by counsel, please reach out to the USPTO, or at least be sure to check the domain contains “uspto.gov” prior to clicking any links.

This IP Hot Topic appeared in the July 2025 issue of MarkIt to Market®. To view our past issues, as well as other firm newsletters, please click here.