Cohen Discusses USPTO’s Updated TESS and Its Effect on Pricing, Search Capabilities, and User Experience

After decades, the USPTO is updating its internal and external electronic searching systems. The new platform is now available for use, and will bring numerous changes and improvements to trademark searching for professionals and the casual user.

The search protocols will enable smarter searching and more efficient narrowing of results. Elizabeth emphasized TESS’s improved user experience, which no longer kicks users out of the system if their computer idles. Instead, “now you’ll stay connected so long as your computer’s connected. So, that’s a big help,” she said.

Additionally, Elizabeth underscored that the new system’s mobile-friendly design will make it easier for attorneys to conduct searches from anywhere.

Although the new system will be more modern and intuitive to use, Elizabeth said that she does not anticipate significant changes in pricing for trademark searches due to the system update. “Doing the search is still going to be the same. It’s a lot more robust and visually appealing, but I don’t think it will change that in a significant way,” she said.

While the new system will enhance various aspects, Elizabeth notes that search results are not currently sortable unless exported to an Excel file. The USPTO will be gathering feedback and implementing changes while the software remains in beta version.

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