The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently announced that it will be overhauling the overall assignment search experience by replacing two legacy search applications — Patent Assignment Search and Assignments on the Web — with a single, unified Assignment Search application.

The goal is to provide the public with a more reliable, secure, and user-friendly tool for obtaining patent and trademark assignment information from a single portal accessible from the Assignment Center.

Expected Rollout

Starting on September 27, the USPTO will phase out the two legacy systems and launch the new Assignment Search tool. This new, web-based application provides customers seeking patent and trademark assignment information with reliable, detailed results via a modernized interface.

Customers can perform basic searches and refine their searches using the filtering options available in the tool’s “advanced search” field. The updated system is designed to promote easy and effective access to patent assignment information.

Key Features of the New Tool

Improvements over existing tools focus on streamlining the search interface and increasing accessibility to assignment records. Users will be able to readily locate and review information regarding the transfer of patent rights, which is often essential data in any due diligence, licensing, and enforcement activities. Proposed enhancements are expected to benefit a broad range of stakeholders, including patent owners, prospective patent purchasers, and legal professionals.

Further details regarding the enhancements to the assignment records search process are available on the USPTO’s official website.

Exponential Results

Enhancing the assignment search process may help reduce administrative burdens, thereby saving time and money, while improving visibility in the often-opaque patent assignment landscape. By making assignment data more accessible, the USPTO aims to support informed decision-making and promote greater confidence in the accuracy of public records.