In the event the trademark electronic filing system is unavailable to the general public due to a widespread or lengthy USPTO system outage, the USPTO will continue its practice of issuing a notice on the "USPTO Systems Status and Availability" page, specifying temporary procedures for filing documents with the USPTO. If the USPTO website is inaccessible, the filer should call the Trademark Assistance Center at (571) 272-9250 or 800-786-9199 or email TEAS@uspto.gov for information on the temporary procedures.

If the outage falls on the date of the deadline for a submission, the requirement to file electronically will be waived, and filings submitted in accordance with such temporary procedures will be accepted without a petition or petition fee.

Documents submitted via facsimile when not expressly authorized by posted USPTO notice or at the written direction of USPTO staff will not be accorded a date of receipt. See 37 C.F.R. §2.195; see also TMEP §301.01(b) for more information regarding trademark electronic filing system availability.

Submission requirements during widespread or lengthy USPTO system outage. The submission must include a statement verified with a declaration under 37 C.F.R. §2.20 explaining the problem encountered when attempting to file via the trademark electronic filing system; proof that the trademark electronic filing system was unavailable (e.g., a screenshot of the trademark electronic filing system error message); a copy of the document the filer is attempting to submit; and any required fees. Information about the submission requirements may be found on the "Filing trademark documents when unable to file electronically " webpage.

If the document that is due requires a fee, the filer must submit the fee in accordance with the posted USPTO notice or at the written direction of USPTO staff. The amount of the fee required in such circumstances is the same as the fee for submitting the document via the trademark electronic filing system, not the fee for filing documents on paper.