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In a bold move to protect the integrity of the federal trademark register, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has now canceled over 50,000 goods and services from trademark registrations. This was done through ex parte expungement and reexamination proceedings under the Trademark Modernization Act (TMA) — and it’s a big deal for brand owners.
At The Patent Baron PLLC, we see firsthand how outdated or fraudulent trademark registrations can block real businesses from securing the marks they need to grow and compete. These recent cancellations are a strong step forward in ensuring the trademark register reflects actual, lawful use in commerce.
What’s Behind These Cancellations?
The majority of the canceled registrations were linked to specimen farms — fake e-commerce sites created solely to fabricate trademark specimens that appear to show use of a mark in commerce. In reality, the goods and services were never offered or sold.
Recognizing the threat to legitimate applicants, the USPTO Director initiated many of these proceedings proactively. It’s a signal that the agency is serious about clearing out fraudulent filings and maintaining a usable, accurate register.
How This Affects You
If you’ve ever had a trademark application blocked by a registration that looks suspicious or overly broad, you’re not alone. Now, thanks to the TMA, there’s a clearer, faster path to challenge those registrations through:
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Expungement Proceedings (for marks never used in U.S. commerce)
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Reexamination Proceedings (for marks not in use as of the registration date)
You don’t need to wait for the USPTO to act — you can file these proceedings directly with the right legal support.
Why It Matters
A cluttered trademark register hurts everyone except the bad actors who game the system. It increases clearance costs, raises the risk of litigation, and prevents businesses from securing the brand names they’ve rightfully earned.
At The Patent Baron PLLC, we help our clients:
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Identify fraudulent or vulnerable marks blocking their applications
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File expungement or reexamination petitions
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Secure enforceable trademark rights that reflect actual business activity
Next Steps
If you believe your trademark application is being unfairly blocked — or if you want to proactively protect your brand in light of these developments — reach out to us. We’re here to help you cut through the clutter and claim your space on the trademark register.
