Filing Receipt: What It Is and Why It Matters in Legal Processes

Definition & Meaning

A filing receipt is a document issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) when an application is submitted through the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). This receipt confirms the filing and includes essential details such as the application serial number, filing date, and a summary of the information provided by the applicant. It serves as proof that the application has been filed.

For applicants who submit paper applications, a printed filing receipt is provided. This document contains the application serial number, filing date, trademark, applicant's name, goods and/or services, filing bases, international class, and the correspondence address.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An applicant submits a TEAS application for a new brand of clothing. Upon submission, they receive a filing receipt via email that includes their application serial number and filing date, confirming that their application is officially filed.

Example 2: A business owner files a paper application for a trademark and receives a printed filing receipt in the mail, which they keep for their records as proof of filing. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Trademark Application A request to register a trademark. The filing receipt is issued after the application is submitted.
Trademark Registration The formal recognition of a trademark by the USPTO. The filing receipt confirms the application, while registration confirms the trademark's legal protection.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you have filed a trademark application and received a filing receipt, keep it in a safe place as proof of your filing. You can track your application's status using the serial number provided in the receipt. If you need assistance with the application process or have questions about your filing, consider exploring US Legal Forms for ready-to-use legal templates. For complex situations, consulting a legal professional may be advisable.

Quick facts

  • Document Type: Filing receipt
  • Issuing Authority: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
  • Application Types: TEAS and paper applications
  • Contents: Serial number, filing date, applicant information
  • Purpose: Proof of filing

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

If you do not receive your filing receipt within a few days of submission, check your email's spam folder or contact the USPTO for assistance.