Recording Corporate Changes With Trademark Offices: Why It Matters And What You Need To Know

Corporate reorganizations and transactions frequently result in changes to trademark ownership. However, the need to formally record those changes with trademark offices is often overlooked. What may appear to be a straightforward administrative step can, in practice, become a time-consuming, multi-jurisdictional exercise with important legal and commercial implications. 

In this article, we explain when recordals are required, why they matter and how trademark owners can approach the process efficiently. 

When is a recordal required? 

Recordals should be considered whenever there is a change in the legal entity that owns a trademark filing (i.e., either a pending application or a granted registration). Such changes include: