Assigned to examiner
Status 638 means your application has been assigned to a USPTO examining attorney who is reviewing it against federal law and existing marks. The first office action or approval usually follows within a few months.
Updated September 2, 2026 · Reviewed by CopyMark Law Group
- Official USPTO wording
- NEW APPLICATION — ASSIGNED TO EXAMINER
- Also recorded as
- 638
- Typical next step
- Monitor TSDR for the examiner's first action. No filing is required until an office action or other requirement is issued.
- Typical deadline
- No applicant deadline until the USPTO mails an action requiring response.
What this means
Examination is underway. The examiner may approve the mark for publication, issue a non-final office action raising objections, or suspend the application pending another matter.
What usually happens next
Monitor TSDR for the examiner's first action. No filing is required until an office action or other requirement is issued.
No applicant deadline until the USPTO mails an action requiring response.
Related codes
Related CopyMark guides
Frequently asked questions
Is 638 good or bad?
It is neutral — a normal processing step. Every application must be assigned before examination completes.