Intellectual Property Law

Trouble with TESS

By Michael Atkins

Trouble searching applications and registrations today?

The PTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) database was having trouble.

From Carl Oppedahl on INTA’s list serve:

“Well, this morning it was TESS that was acting up, and eventually after some hours of discussion on the listserves, USPTO quietly posted a notice that TESS had melted down and was being repaired.”

Later in the day, the PTO circulated this message:

“On Tuesday, January 18, the USPTO became aware that searches conducted prior to 3:30 p.m. through the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) were not producing accurate results. The TESS problem was resolved; however, it is suggested that any searches conducted prior to 3:30 p.m. be performed again to ensure accuracy.”

I’m happy to say I’m not just as good as my latest trademark search, but my latest trademark search with a database that isn’t working just isn’t very good.

Full post as published by Seattle Trademark Lawyer on January 19, 2011 (boomark / email).