USPTO Advances Trademark Application Efficiency, Cuts Pendency Times in FY 2026

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has made notable progress in reducing trademark application pendency during the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2026, continuing momentum established in FY 2025. According to official USPTO data, first action pendency—the time from application filing to the initial examination—fell by 20%, from 5.6 months to 4.45 months.

In addition, disposal pendency, which measures the total processing time until final disposition, declined from 11.7 months in FY 2025 to 10.03 months in the first half of FY 2026. These improvements were achieved despite a 7% increase in trademark filings compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year.

The USPTO is on track to meet its longer-term goals of reducing first action pendency to four months and total disposal pendency to nine months by FY 2028. To support these objectives, the agency is actively implementing new technological tools and expanding its workforce.

Among the initiatives underway is the deployment of an automated processing tool designed to accelerate the handling of Statements of Use (SOUs), which are critical filings demonstrating trademark use in commerce. This tool aims to expedite the transfer of SOUs to examining attorneys for review.

The USPTO has also enhanced transparency by updating its processing times webpage to include the latest dates for SOUs and Section 9 renewals, which relate to trademark maintenance filings.

To assist applicants with urgent needs, the agency now offers expedited processing for certified copy requests, including an option to upgrade orders to UPS Overnight delivery. Customers seeking this service can request expedited handling by contacting the USPTO directly via email.

In a keynote address at the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting, USPTO Director John A. Squires highlighted these operational improvements and discussed emerging trends in the trademarks market, including the rise of personal branding. His remarks outlined a forward-looking engagement model aimed at addressing evolving applicant needs.

The USPTO encourages trademark applicants and stakeholders to stay informed by subscribing to regular email updates through its subscription center. The agency also advises users to ensure their email systems permit receipt of communications from official USPTO domains to avoid missing important notices.

These efforts reflect the USPTO’s commitment to streamlining trademark application processing and enhancing service quality amid increasing demand. By leveraging automation and staffing enhancements, the office aims to deliver faster, more efficient trademark examination and maintenance services in the coming years.