Cross-border e-commerce product verification and US trademark application identity verification guide

In the field of cross-border e-commerce, the importance of product verification and brand protection is self-evident. This article will integrate and introduce how to effectively verify cross-border e-commerce products and the identity verification process required for U.S. trademark applications.

1. Cross-border e-commerce product verification methods

1. Questionnaire survey

Questionnaire survey is a simple and effective way to verify product market demand. A good product verification questionnaire should include the following aspects:

• Key questions: Ask consumers if they like the product and why.
• Purchase Intent: Find out if potential customers will actually buy the product.

Commonly used survey tools include Google Customer Surveys, Survata, Liwu Blog, Typeform, etc.

2. Social media and email pre-sale

Pre-selling via social media and email is also a great way to test market reaction to your product. The advantage is that it is less expensive and relatively easy to implement. For example, Noah Kagan tested the idea for his beef jerky subscription service by emailing acquaintances and friends and posting on his personal Facebook, and received a large number of orders in a short period of time.

3. Create a crowdfunding project

In recent years, launching campaigns on crowdfunding platforms has become a popular trend to verify product novelty and market demand. However, this approach is more suitable for innovative products.

2. Identity verification for U.S. trademark application

Beginning August 2023, the United States Trademark Office (USPTO) will require all USPTO.gov account holders to complete identity verification before submitting a trademark application.

Groups requiring identity verification

• Trademark owners or company managers who have not retained a lawyer;
• U.S. licensed attorneys, including in-house counsel;
• Canadian lawyer or agent;
• Paralegal or other person authorized by the attorney.

Authentication method

Paper verification

Applicable when electronic verification is not possible. Specific steps include creating a USPTO.gov account, downloading and filling out a paper identity verification form, showing your government ID to a notary, and sending the notarized form to the designated address.

Online verification

Authentication through ID.me supports self-service (requires uploading biometric information) and video chat agent.

BM company verification

For Facebook Business Manager (BM), it is also important to verify business information. Required information includes company details, business license, utility bills or bank statements, etc. If the BM verification button is gray, you need to add a test App or official App through the developer backend to unlock the verification function.

The above information is synthesized from cross-border e-commerce product verification methods and U.S. trademark application identity verification procedures. We hope to provide useful guidance to relevant practitioners.