01Latest published averages
Data source date10 August 2026
Average time from filing to the first examining action: 4.2 months.
USPTO target for the first examining action: 5.0 months.
Average time from filing until registration or abandonment: 9.7 months.
USPTO target for registration or abandonment: 11.0 months.
These are averages, not promises or deadlines. The official page states that many factors affect how long an individual filing takes.
02What “first examining action” means
After filing, a new application waits to be assigned to a USPTO examining attorney. The examining attorney reviews whether the application satisfies federal requirements and whether legal or procedural issues prevent registration.
The first examining action may approve the application for the next stage or issue an office action identifying questions or refusals that require a response.
03What “registration or abandonment” means
The USPTO describes total or disposal pendency as the time from filing until the application registers or becomes abandoned. The average combines applications that follow different paths.
An application may take longer because of an office action, suspension, opposition, intent-to-use requirements, missed response, or another case-specific event. There is no guarantee that an application will register.
04Average wait times versus current examination dates
The USPTO also publishes the filing-date range of applications most recently assigned for examination. That date range may not match the average first-action wait time.
The USPTO explains that applications are generally assigned in filing order, but some related applications and Madrid Protocol applications can be placed in the queue according to specific rules. Use the official explanation instead of subtracting dates and treating the result as a guaranteed wait.
05How to check your own application
Use the USPTO Trademark Status and Document Retrieval system, known as TSDR, to review an individual application or registration.
- Open TSDR on the USPTO website.
- Enter the application serial number or registration number.
- Review the current status.
- Open the Documents tab to read filings and USPTO correspondence.
- Continue monitoring the record and all response deadlines.
The USPTO states that applicants and registrants are responsible for tracking status and responding on time.
06How this page stays current
Zylmark displays a dated snapshot from the USPTO. We review the official figures regularly and update this page when the USPTO publishes new data.
The source date shown above identifies the official data used. Open the official USPTO page for the latest available information.
07Processing-time questions
Does the average tell me when my application will be reviewed?
No. It is a general measure based on many applications. Your application may move faster or slower.
Can Zylmark speed up a USPTO application?
No. Zylmark provides preliminary search tools and does not control USPTO examination or processing.
Does a longer wait mean my application has a problem?
Not necessarily. Check the individual record in TSDR and review all USPTO correspondence. Contact the USPTO or qualified counsel if you need help understanding a case-specific issue.
How often should I check my application?
Follow the USPTO’s current status-checking guidance and monitor all official correspondence and deadlines. Do not rely solely on a general processing-times page.