121 Copying of Files
Most records filed in Board proceedings since 2001 are kept electronically. Non-electronic records are kept in paper files pursuant to the relevant retention schedule. When used, paper files are kept at the Board during the pendency of the Board proceeding, then stored at a warehouse pursuant to the relevant retention schedule. See TBMP § 120.03.
The electronic files of the Board are accessible on the Internet via TTABVUE. [ Note 1.] The electronic files of applications and registrations which are the subject matter of pending proceedings before the Board are accessible online via TSDR (Trademark Status and Document Retrieval). [ Note 2.] Both TTABVUE and TSDR permit users to view, download, and print non-confidential portions of applications, registrations, and Board proceedings.
Copies of Board non-electronic (i.e., paper) files may be obtained by requesting the file, see TBMP § 120, and utilizing the photocopier designated for public use in the Trademark Assistance Center public access area by using a magnetic card to charge the fees for the copies. [ Note 3.] The magnetic card, known as a "copy card" may be purchased from the cashier at the USPTO Public Search Facility, which is located at 600 Dulany Street, Madison East, 1st Floor, Alexandria, Virginia.
Paper files or portions thereof may not be taken from the premises of the Trademark Assistance Center and a person who removes papers from a file for copying must return the papers to the file in their proper order.
Alternatively, the Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch, Public Records Division will furnish photocopies (either certified or uncertified) of trademark application and registration files, or of one or more papers therefrom, or of papers from the files of Board proceedings, upon written request and payment of the fee prescribed in 37 CFR § 2.6. The Office will also furnish, upon written request and payment of the fee prescribed in 37 CFR § 2.6, printed copies of trademark registrations, certified copies of registrations with information as to the current status and title of the registration, and abstracts of title to trademark applications and registrations.
All requests for certified and uncertified copies of trademark documents relating to applications or registrations, including copies of papers from the files of Board proceedings, and abstracts of title, are handled by the Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch, Public Records Division. Copies can be ordered online from the Office of Public Records at http://ebiz1.uspto.gov/oems25p/index.html, by email to dsd@uspto.gov, and by telephone at (571) 272-3150 or (toll free) (800) 972-6382. A request (with the required fee) made by postal mail for copies should be addressed to Mail Stop Document Services, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450. The written request, with fee, may also be hand delivered to the Public Service Window at 2800 South Randolph Street, Randolph Square Building, 3rd Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22206-2217. Finally, if the written request includes an authorization to charge the required fee to a deposit account, the request may be sent by facsimile transmission to (571) 273-3250. [ Note 4.]
NOTES:
3. See 37 CFR § 2.6(b)(9) (current charge for self-service copies is $.25 per page).
4. See Notice of a Change in Procedure Regarding Requests for Certification Services, 1165 TMOG 13 (Aug. 2, 1994).