Under this system of protection, American industry has flourished. New products have been invented, new uses for old ones discovered, and employment opportunities created for millions of Americans. The strength and vitality of the U.S. economy depends directly on effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity.

The USPTO is a Federal agency in the Department of Commerce. The agency is consolidating its facilities from 18 buildings spread throughout Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, to five interconnected buildings in Alexandria, Virginia. The USPTO began occupying the first two buildings in December 2003, and full occupancy is scheduled by mid-2005. The office employs over 6,500 full time staff to support its major functions - the examination and issuance of patents and the examination and registration of trademarks.

The USPTO has evolved into a unique government agency. Since 1991 - under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990 - the agency has been fully fee funded. The primary services the agency provides include processing patent and trademark applications and disseminating patent and trademark information.

Through the issuance of patents, the USPTO encourages technological advancement by providing incentives to invent, invest in, and disclose new technology worldwide. Through the registration of trademarks, the agency assists businesses in protecting their investments, promoting goods and services, and safeguarding consumers against confusion and deception in the marketplace. By disseminating both patent and trademark information, the USPTO promotes an understanding of intellectual property protection and facilitates the development and sharing of new technologies worldwide.