As the USPTO continues their efforts to update and modernize the customer experience, they have announced that on January 22, 2024 the Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS) and the Electronic Trademark Assignment System (ETAS) will be replaced by Assignment Center, which promises to be a more cohesive, modernized system. 

The USPTO states that the benefits of this new system include the ability to issue reports and track customer requests, and the system will allow these functions to take place in a cloud-based, secure environment. This promises to help streamline transferring ownership or changing the name on granted or pending patent application and trademark registrations, and users will be able to track and edit the progress of applications. 

This USPTO upgrade joins other recent improvements, including the introduction of Patent Center to replace the EFS-Web (Electronic Filing System) and PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval), as well as the retirement of The Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). You can find more information about all of these projects on the USTO’s website improvement page.  

As with previous updates, Renner Otto’s support team will be attending training events and updating internal processes as necessary to adapt to changes and will stay apprised of any issues that may arise after the initial rollover. Our clients should not expect any changes due to the transition, and we will continue to maintain service, security, and a quality work product without disruption. 

For over a century, Renner Otto has continued to adapt to changes the USPTO has made, as it continues to modernize patent and trademark prosecution. The firm’s ability to prepare and pivot to address these changes has enabled Renner Otto to remain one of the top Intellectual Property law firms. 

To learn more about this latest transition, you can visit the USPTO’s website, or feel free to reach out to me directly at eporter@rennerotto.com.