Introduction
From the explosion of eCommerce brands to emerging technologies like AI and NFTs, the last five years have reshaped how entrepreneurs and businesses file trademarks in the USA. If you’re considering protecting your brand in 2025 or beyond, understanding the latest trademark filing trends in the USA is critical to staying ahead of the competition.
In this post, we break down the top trademark trends from 2020 to 2025, backed by USPTO statistics, market shifts, and brand behavior that’s changing the trademark game.
1. Record-Breaking Trademark Filings Post-2020
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a surge in entrepreneurship—and with it, a massive increase in trademark applications.
- In 2021, the USPTO received over 943,000 trademark applications, a record-breaking number.
- This upward trend has continued due to online business growth, Amazon sellers, and digital startups.
2. Rise in eCommerce & Amazon Brand Trademarks
A huge portion of new filings from 2020–2025 comes from Amazon sellers looking to join Amazon Brand Registry. To do this, a USPTO-registered trademark is required.
Common product categories seeing increased filings:
- Health & wellness
- Kitchen gadgets
- Home décor
- Fitness & apparel
Pro tip: Many new eCommerce brands now file Intent-to-Use trademarks before launching.
3. AI, Blockchain, and NFT Brands Lead Innovation
Between 2021 and 2025, there’s been a noticeable spike in trademark applications related to:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Blockchain technology
- NFTs and Web3
- Virtual goods in the metaverse
Filing early in these fast-evolving sectors has become essential to secure exclusive rights and future-proof brand assets.
4. Foreign Filers Entering the U.S. Market
There’s been a major increase in non-U.S. residents filing trademarks in the United States between 2020 and 2025. Countries leading the way include:
- China 🇨🇳
- Canada 🇨🇦
- India 🇮🇳
- UK 🇬🇧
Foreign applicants must now hire a U.S.-licensed attorney to file, as per the 2019 rule change. This trend shows how global businesses prioritize U.S. brand protection.
5. Trademark Clearance & Opposition Activity Rising
As filings increase, so do conflicts between marks. From 2020 to 2025:
- Opposition filings at the TTAB have increased
- More brands are conducting professional trademark clearance searches
- Cease and desist letters have become more common due to brand overlap
This trend shows that preventive legal strategy is becoming the norm.
6. Faster Filing Deadlines & Rule Changes by USPTO
The Trademark Modernization Act (TMA) introduced several changes affecting how quickly and efficiently brands must respond to USPTO Office Actions. Key updates:
- 3-month response window (shortened from 6 months)
- New expungement and reexamination procedures to clear out unused marks
As rules tighten, working with experienced trademark attorneys is more valuable than ever.
7. More Brands Filing in Multiple Classes
Modern brands don’t just file in one category. From 2020 to 2025, there’s a clear trend toward multi-class trademark applications, especially for:
- Apparel + eCommerce services
- Food products + online recipes/education
- Tech devices + downloadable software/apps
This allows for broader protection and brand versatility.
8. Increased Focus on Brand Enforcement
With digital impersonation and counterfeit listings on the rise, more businesses are:
- Monitoring the Official Gazette
- Filing Letters of Protest
- Subscribing to USPTO watch services
- Initiating oppositions or cancellations
Final Thoughts
The trademark landscape in the USA has transformed from 2020 to 2025. Whether you’re launching an Amazon store, building a tech startup, or expanding into the U.S. from abroad, staying on top of filing trends, legal updates, and digital brand enforcement is crucial to long-term success.
At IP Bureau, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses file, monitor, and defend trademarks with precision. Let us guide you through the next phase of smart brand protection in today’s competitive market.
