Summary
Restructured brand authorization verification workflow for trademark owners. Added clarifications on verification code email delivery, code expiration (10 days, single re-request), USPTO contact verification requirements, and prohibition on pending trademarks.
Why it matters
Sellers applying for brand authorization must understand email verification mechanics, deadlines, and contact prerequisites. Failure to comply with code deadlines or trademark status requirements may block authorization, but these rules existed—only presentation changed.
Recommended action
Review existing brand authorization applications to confirm trademark contact info is current with USPTO. If applying or reapplying, set calendar reminder for 10-day code window and verify trademark is registered (not pending) before submission.
Enter your USPTO trademark registration number.
If we're able to verify the trademark registration number, a verification code will be sent via email to the trademark’s official contact, which is typically the attorney on record. If you don't already have it, you can find the contact of the attorney on record here: USPTO TSDR > Status > Attorney/Correspondence Information.
If you don't already have it, you can find the contact of the attorney on record here: USPTO TSDR > Status > Attorney/Correspondence Information.
❗If the trademark’s official contact is outdated or inaccessible, you must update it with the USPTO first before submitting your brand authorization application. Use the USPTO's Correspondence and Attorney/Domestic Representative Forms to update the contact.
Enter the verification code in the Qualification Center or click the link in the email within 10 days. If the code expires, you can request a new one.
❗You can request a new code only once. After the second code expires, you’ll need to start a new application.
If we're unable to verify the trademark registration number, an error message will appear. Double-check the number before resubmitting it.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not submit brand authorization applications for trademarks that are still in "Pending Trademark" status with the USPTO.
No content was removed in this update.
Affects: Seller