Patent
and Trademark Depository Libraries
(PTDLs) are a nationwide network of public, state and academic
libraries that are designated to disseminate patent and
trademark information and to support the diverse
intellectual property needs of the public. Using the
collections of a PTDL with the help of a trained librarian,
you may be able to determine if someone else has already
patented your invention or obtained a federal registration
for a trademark on goods or services similar to that you are
seeking to use. These specialized librarians may also
help you with specific questions regarding the patent and
trademark processes, but they will not provide legal
advice. These libraries contain collections of all
types of patents issued in the US for at least the past
twenty years (some PTDLs have US patents back to
1790). They also have facsimile images on CD of
federal trademark registration certificates from 1870 to the
present. The PTDLs have CD-ROM databases containing
bibliographic information on registered trademarks and marks
in pending applications. The PTDLs have other CD-ROM
products that allow you to search U.S. patents and
trademarks. There is probably one near you!
If you are ready to apply for a
patent, we strongly advise you to contact a registered
patent attorney or patent agent. The Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO) maintains a roster of both
attorneys and patent agents who are registered to practice
before the USPTO. Only attorneys or agents who are
registered to practice before the USPTO are permitted to
file and prosecute patent applications on behalf of
others. This roster includes listings by geographical
area. Roster of Patent Attorneys and
Agents Registered to Practice Before the USPTO.
If you are ready to apply to register
your trademark, we strongly advise that you contact an
attorney who is experienced in trademark prosecution.
The USPTO does not maintain a roster of trademark attorneys.
An attorney who is a member in good standing of a state bar
association may prosecute your application for trademark
registration. The USPTO cannot aid in the selection of
an attorney and does not provide specific endorsements or
recommendations of private attorneys.
Disclaimer
We have provided links to these sites
because they have information that may be of interest to our
users. The USPTO does not necessarily endorse the
views expressed or the facts presented on these sites.
Further, the USPTO does not endorse any commercial products
that may be advertised or available on these sites.
If you would like assistance with
financing and marketing your invention, please refer to the Small
Business Administration (SBA) which offers local
assistance (see Local
SBA Resources ). The SBA also provides a list of Small
Business Development Centers which provide advice and
assistance to enhance the growth, innovation and
productivity of small businesses.
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business system 
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