Using Legal Services

Search for registered patent attorneys and agents online at: https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI/  A patent attorney is an individual who is a member in good standing of the bar of any United States court or the highest court of any State and who is registered to practice before the USPTO and represent the applicant.  A patent agent is an individual who is not an attorney but who is registered to practice before the USPTO and represent the applicant.  Registered patent attorneys and agents are collectively referred to as “patent practitioners” but may also be referred to as practitioners or representatives.

  • Pro Bono (Free Legal Representation)

    Inventors: Are you an inventor or small business who has limited resources and needs help applying for a patent on an invention? If so, you may be eligible to receive...

  • Pro Se Assistance Program

    The Pro Se Assistance Program is the United States Patent and Trademark Office's comprehensive pilot to expand outreach to inventors who file patent applications without...

  • Scam Prevention

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

News & Updates

December 19, 2014

Deputy Commissioner for Trademarks Mary Denison Appointed as New Commissioner

Washington– Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker appointed Mary Boney Denison to be the new Commissioner for Trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) effective January 1, 2015.“Mary Denison has done a stellar job serving the American people as the U.S.…

December 15, 2014

USPTO To Host Trade Secret Symposium

Washington– The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host its first Trade Secret Symposium on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at USPTO Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The symposium will provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear from…

Senate Judiciary Committee Statement

Statement of Michelle K. Lee, nominee for Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, before the Senate Judiciary Committee December 10, 2014.

October 20, 2014

USPTO To Host First Cybersecurity Partnership Meeting

Washington - The U.S. Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host its first Cybersecurity Partnership Meeting on Friday, November 14, 2014, in Menlo Park, California. The meeting will serve as a collaborative forum for stakeholders seeking patent protection…

September 11, 2014

USPTO Announces 2014 National Trademark Expo Exhibitors

Washington - The U.S. Commerce Department's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the exhibitors for the 2014 National Trademark Expo which will be held on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The free,…

September 8, 2014

USPTO Launches Redesigned KIDS! Web Pages

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the launch of its newly redesigned KIDS! Web pages aimed to encourage students of all ages to learn about the importance of intellectual property (IP) creation and protection. In…

September 4, 2014

USPTO and Smithsonian Launch New Joint Effort to Showcase American Innovation

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Smithsonian Institution have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) establishing a five-year collaboration to develop programs and exhibitions showcasing American innovation. Some upcoming joint…

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