As the U.S. federal government experiences a lapse in funding, many agencies have adjusted or suspended operations. Below is an update on how the shutdown affects trademark and copyright filings.

Trademark Filings – USPTO Remains Open and Fully Operational

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has confirmed that it will continue normal operations during the shutdown:

USPTO operating status during a lapse in federal appropriations

At present, the USPTO will remain open and fully operational until further notice under operating reserves from the prior year’s fee collections.

 

Key takeaway: The USPTO remains open and is processing trademark applications, renewals, and other filings as usual. Businesses can continue to file and maintain their trademark rights without disruption.

Copyright Filings – Office Closed, but Online Submissions Accepted

The U.S. Copyright Office has announced the following:

Notice: Due to a lapse in government funding, the U.S. Copyright Office is closed, as is the Library of Congress. As such, the office is unable to update the information on this website, respond to inquiries, or process transactions. Registration and recordation submissions will be accepted for the purpose of securing date of receipt but will not be processed. Website updates and all normal business activity will resume when the government reopens. If you would like to file a copyright registration or submit a document recordation, our online systems are available. Filing your registration claim now will help ensure the earliest possible effective date of registration, although submissions will not be processed until the Copyright Office reopens.

Key takeaway: The Copyright Office is closed, but online filings are still possible. Filing now can help secure your effective date once the office resumes operations.

What This Means for You:

  • Trademarks: Continue business as usual—applications, renewals, and responses are being processed.

  • Copyrights: Online submissions are accepted and will be date-stamped, but processing is paused until the government reopens.

Our team is monitoring these developments closely and is available to assist with any filings or questions to help protect your intellectual property during the shutdown.