Legal assistance and resources

Find resources and programs for inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses seeking assistance with legal matters, including application filing, locating a registered patent or trademark practitioner, and avoiding scams.

Patent Pro Bono Program for independent inventors and small businesses

The Program provides free legal assistance to under-resourced inventors interested in securing patent protection for their inventions.

Filing a patent application on your own

Assistance and resources for inventors filing for a patent without the help of an attorney or agent

Scam Prevention

While the USPTO does not investigate complaints or participate in any legal proceedings against invention promoters/promotion firms, under the American Inventors...

Law School Clinic Certification Program

Free legal help provided by law students, who gain experience drafting and filing patents and trademark applications for clients of the law school clinic.

Finding a patent practitioner

Learn how to find registered patent agents and attorneys who are eligible to practice before the USPTO in patent matters.

Finding a trademark practitioner

Learn how to find attorneys who practice trademark law.

IP Attaché Program

The Intellectual Property (IP) Attaché Program works to improve IP systems and to help U.S. stakeholders internationally. IP attachés directly assist U.S. businesses and advocate...

Upcoming Events

Jan 29, 2021

The Path to a Patent, Part IV: Learn how to draft a patent application

You need to understand patent application drafting to protect your invention. Attend this virtual workshop and learn from USPTO experts about the formalities and requirements of drafting a patent application, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. This event is free and open to the public, so register...

Feb 12, 2021

The Path to a Patent, Part V: Learn how to draft patent claims

Claim drafting may be the most important part of protecting your invention. Learn the basics of claim drafting from USPTO experts in this interactive workshop. You will develop a better appreciation of how a patent examiner views a claim during the course of examination. This event is free and...

Feb 19, 2021

Utah Bar Association's Annual IP Summit

Regional Director Molly Kocialski will give an update on the state of the Rocky Mountain Regional USPTO at the 2021 Annual Utah IP Summit, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Section of the Utah State Bar. The IP Summit is a full day CLE conference hosted in Salt Lake City, Utah where...

Feb 23, 2021

Trademark application walk-through

Don't miss this live walk-through of the trademark application process with Attorney Advisor for Trademark Educational Outreach at the USPTO, Jason Lott. The presentation will cover how to use the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) and explanations of the various sections of each form....

Feb 26, 2021

The Path to a Patent, Part VI: Learn how to protect your IP abroad

Did you know that patents offer country-by-country protection? Learn how to help protect your intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions. The USPTO's International Patent Legal Administration will host a two-hour seminar on considerations and options for filing foreign patent applications....

Mar 26, 2021

Path to a Patent, Part VIII: Common mistakes and support after filing

If you are an inventor, don't miss this session full of important tips on filing for a patent. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post filing procedures and support. Slots are limited, so register early . For more information, please email siliconvalley@uspto.gov...

News & Updates

February 13, 2019Henry “Jamie” Holcombe appointed chief information officer

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the appointment of Henry “Jamie” Holcombe as the agency’s Chief Information Officer. Holcombe’s first full day in his new role will be Monday, February 25, 2019. Holcombe joins the USPTO after more than 20 years of...

February 7, 2019United States moves up in international rankings for patent protection

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) ranked the United States in second place for Patents, Related Rights, and Limitations in its 2019 International IP Index, reflecting a significant improvement in patent protection policy. In addition, this year...

January 30, 2019U.S. ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) welcomed the recent ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty, which allows limited copyright exceptions for the reproduction of published works in formats accessible to the blind and visually impaired. President Donald J. Trump signed...

January 16, 2019Nominations sought for National Medal of Technology and Innovation

WASHINGTON - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations for the 2019 National Medal of Technology and Innovation . The medal is the country's highest award for technological achievement and is presented by the president of the United States. The medal is awarded to...

January 10, 2019Thomas Krause appointed Deputy General Counsel for Intellectual Property and Solicitor

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the appointment of Thomas W. Krause as the new Deputy General Counsel for Intellectual Property Law and Solicitor of the USPTO. Krause, who has served as the agency’s Deputy Solicitor since 2014, begins his new role...

January 4, 2019U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announces revised guidance for determining subject matter eligibility

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced revised guidance for subject matter eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101. The USPTO also announced guidance on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112 to computer-implemented inventions. The documents take effect Monday,...

November 29, 2018U.S. Patent and Trademark Office releases 2018-2022 Strategic Plan

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today published its 2018-2022 Strategic Plan . The strategic plan sets out the USPTO’s mission-focused strategic goals: to optimize patent quality and timeliness; to optimize trademark quality and timeliness; and, to provide domestic...

November 6, 2018Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announces Laura Peter as deputy director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today announced the appointment of Laura A. Peter as deputy under secretary of commerce for intellectual property and deputy director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), effective November 13, 2018. Ms. Peter most recently held the...

August 22, 2018USPTO Seeking Public Comments on Draft 2018-2022 Strategic Plan

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced it is seeking comments on the draft 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. The draft plan sets out the USPTO's mission-focused strategic goals: to optimize patent quality and timeliness; to optimize trademark quality and...

July 27, 2018USPTO Launches Anti-Counterfeiting Video Contest

WASHINGTON - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the launch of an anti-counterfeiting video contest during the National Trademark Exposition . The “Consumers Combat Counterfeits" contest invites entrants to submit creative videos to help raise awareness about the...

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