503.03(b)    Supporting Documents

To record an assignment document or other document affecting title to a trademark application or registration, a legible cover sheet and one of the following must be submitted:

  • (1) A copy of the document;
  • (2) A copy of an extract from the document evidencing the effect on title; or
  • (3) A statement signed by both the party conveying the interest and the party receiving the interest explaining how the conveyance affects title.

37 C.F.R. §3.25(a).

To record a name change, only a legible cover sheet is required.  37 C.F.R. §3.25(b).

Documents filed through ETAS must be in TIFF or PDF format.  When printed to a paper size of either 21.6 by 27.9 cm (8½ by 11 inches) or 21.0 by 29.7 cm (DIN size A4), a 2.5 cm (one-inch) margin must be present on all sides.  37 C.F.R. §3.25(c)(1).

All paper documents submitted for recordation must be submitted on white and non-shiny paper that is either 8½ by 11 inches (21.6 by 27.9 cm) or DIN size A4 (21.0 by 29.7 cm) with a one-inch (2.5 cm) margin on all sides in either case.  Only one side of each page may be used.  Original documents should not be submitted, because the USPTO does not return recorded documents.  37 C.F.R. §3.25(c)(2).

Documents that do not meet these requirements will not be recorded.  37 C.F.R. §3.51.   See TMEP §503.05.