Every U.S. Patent and Trademark Office application receives a trademark serial number. These numbers are essential for monitoring and managing millions of trademark applications in the USPTO’s database.
Every trademark application, from global corporations to independent entrepreneurs, gets the same standardized identifier: an eight-digit serial number that becomes their application’s permanent digital fingerprint in the federal trademark system. While many confuse these serial numbers with registration numbers, they serve distinct purposes in the trademark process.
This guide covers what you need to know about trademark serial numbers — how they work, where to find them, and why they matter. We’ll clear up common mix-ups and show you how to use these numbers to your advantage.
What is a Trademark Serial Number?
A trademark serial number is a unique identifier assigned by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to each trademark application when it is submitted. When you file, the USPTO gives your application this eight-digit number, which stays with it throughout the entire process.
Each serial number is unique to an application, making it easy to pull up your trademark case from the millions of applications the USPTO handles. It works similarly to a tracking number you’d get for a package, except this one stays with your trademark application from start to finish.
The USPTO creates these numbers in order, so newer applications get higher numbers than older ones. While the system is simple, it organizes the massive number of trademark applications that come through their doors.
How do I Find My Trademark Serial Number
Finding your trademark serial number is straightforward — check your USPTO Filing Receipt first. This document arrives immediately after you submit your application and prominently displays your serial number.
The USPTO puts this number at the top of every official document they send you about your trademark. You’ll spot it on your Notice of Publication and all other correspondence. They make it pretty hard to miss since it’s the main way they track your application.
If you need to look it up later, grab any USPTO document related to your trademark. The serial number appears on all of them. This consistent placement makes it simple to reference your application whenever needed.
Trademark Serial Number vs. Registration Number
Your trademark gets two different numbers as it passes through the USPTO system. The serial number comes first – it’s assigned as soon as you submit your application. This number tracks your application while it’s being reviewed and processed.
The registration number only arrives if your trademark gets approved. Once the USPTO grants your registration, it assigns this new number, which proves your trademark is officially registered. You’ll need both numbers at different points — the serial number for checking your application status, and the registration number for showing that you own the trademark.
Why is the Trademark Serial Number Important?
Your trademark serial number functions as your direct line to the USPTO during the application process. You’ll need it to check your application status via the Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (TSDR), respond to office actions, or contact the USPTO about your trademark. Without this number, tracking your application would be nearly impossible.
This number also helps when working with trademark attorneys or legal teams, and they use it to access your file and handle any necessary paperwork. Plus, if you’re selling or licensing your trademark rights, the serial number helps verify your ownership and application status.
The serial number stays relevant even after registration. It creates a clear paper trail of your trademark’s history, which proves valuable if you ever need to defend your mark or show when you first filed. Many businesses keep it on file alongside their registration number for complete documentation of their trademark rights.
Wrapping Up
Your trademark serial number plays a key role throughout the trademark registration process. From the moment you submit your application until well after registration, this unique identifier helps you navigate USPTO procedures smoothly. It’s worth keeping this number readily available, as you’ll need it for various interactions with the USPTO and your legal team.
Getting familiar with your serial and registration numbers helps you manage your trademark more effectively. These numbers work together to establish and protect your trademark rights, making them essential pieces of your intellectual property documentation.
Ready to protect your brand? Our Trademark Research helps you spot potential conflicts before you file. We’ll run a comprehensive search that could save you time and money in the application process.
