1604.07(e)    Changes of Name

A mere change of the name of a party is not a change of entity and will not require an inquiry regarding ownership, if there is clear title in the party who filed the §8 affidavit or declaration.  Therefore, if the owner records a change of name with the Assignment Recordation Branch and subsequently files the §8 affidavit or declaration in its former name, the USPTO will not issue an inquiry regarding ownership.  

However, if it is unclear from the records of the Assignment Recordation Branch whether the party who filed the affidavit or declaration is the owner of record, the owner must either record evidence of the change of name in the Assignment Recordation Branch or submit proof of the change of name.   See 37 C.F.R. §3.73(b); TMEP §1604.07(b).  For a corporation, this is done by recording or submitting a certificate of change of name issued by the Secretary of State (or other authorized body) of the state of incorporation.

See TMEP §1604.07(c) regarding issuance of the notice of acceptance of the affidavit or declaration in the name of the new owner.