This article describes a glitch in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office electronic filing system for trademark applications and renewals, and provides a workaround for those affected by the problem. The Trademark Office has been transitioning its electronic filing system over the past few years, phasing out the old TEAS system (Trademark Electronic Application System), and gradually migrating to the new “Trademark Center” system. While the new Trademark Center system provides numerous wonderful improvements to the process of preparing and filing trademark applications and renewals on the USPTO website, the implementation of the new system has been plagued by glitches making it difficult for users affected to complete their filings.
Trademark Center E-Signature Link Glitch
The latest glitch in the system relates to the E-signature link that the system generates for trademark attorneys to email to their trademark owner clients for signing Declarations required for trademark applications and renewals. When working properly, the person designated to sign a Declaration will receive an email providing them with a hyperlink to click for accessing the trademark application or renewal application on the USPTO website, to review and sign electronically. The signer is not required to have a USPTO.gov account, and not required to sign in. Clicking on the link takes the signer directly to the application on the USPTO website, with an explanation for the steps to follow for reviewing and signing.
But when the current glitch in the system occurs, and the E-signature link does not function properly, clicking on the link directs the signer to the Trademark Center home page, not the application/renewal for reviewing and signing, and with no explanation for what to do.
When a similar glitch in the system caused problems with the E-signature link in the past (April 2025), the Trademark Office recognized the problem, posted a description of the problem on its System status page, and provided a workaround for users as the Trademark Office worked to restore service. And the problem eventually was resolved. As of the publication of this article, the Trademark Office has no mention of the problem on its System status page and provided no workaround for those affected.
Workarounds for Affected Users
While those affected by this glitch could use the same workaround provided by the Trademark Office in April 2025, which is to “use the signed declaration option and upload a declaration with a handwritten signature or signed with document signing software” (such as DocuSign), there is also one other workaround available. The signer can create their own USPTO.gov account, including the required process of setting up a secure multi-factor authentication (MFA) method using an authenticator app (Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator both work).
When the signer completes the process of creating their USPTO.gov account, and signs into the account, the E-signature link will then work properly, directing the signer to the trademark application/renewal on the USPTO website, including the explanation for the steps to follow for reviewing and signing. Although not ideal, and requires some extra steps for the signer to work through, this does solve the problem and allow for electronic signing rather than having to use the other workaround of uploading a declaration with a handwritten signature or signed with document signing software.
For companies managing trademark applications and renewals, filing system glitches can create avoidable delays if not addressed promptly. Contact Conley Rose to discuss how your organization can keep trademark filings moving forward and protect its brand assets.