Core Insights - The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has significantly improved its trademark examination performance for FY 2025, indicating a more predictable and efficient process for cross-border e-commerce sellers focusing on the U.S. market [2][5]. Group 1: Performance Metrics - The average time to first action for trademark applications has been reduced to 5.6 months, compared to the goal of 6.7 months [4][5]. - The average total processing time for trademark applications has decreased to 11.7 months, against a target of 13 months [4][5]. - The backlog of unexamined trademark categories has dropped to 346,378, a reduction of over 90,000 from the previous year [5]. Group 2: Implications for Cross-Border E-Commerce Sellers - The trademark examination cycle is becoming more predictable, allowing sellers to proactively incorporate U.S. trademarks into their product selection and branding strategies [6][7]. - It is advisable for sellers to secure core brand names early, as the increasing number of applications makes the trademark database more crowded, reducing the risk of rejections and disputes [7]. - The U.S. market should no longer be viewed as a "step behind" in trademark registration; sellers can plan and file U.S. trademarks in sync with their EU and UK trademarks to expedite brand protection [7]. - A multi-faceted approach to trademark protection is recommended, combining word marks with graphic (logo) trademarks and considering design patents and copyright registrations for comprehensive product protection [9].