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These patents and trademarks can help you enjoy a delicious #WaffleDay breakfast (or lunch, or dinner – we won’t judge).
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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Inventor Dean Kamen and Failure
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The theme of this year's World IP Day is innovation improving lives. Last year, the USPTO recognized and awarded winners of the Patents for Humanity program for generating innovative solutions that addressed global humanitarian challenges. Watch the video to learn about the 2016 winners of Patents for Humanity and how their innovation has improved lives. Visit http://bit.ly/2eAv8Wu to see when and where the USPTO regional offices are celebrating World IP Day.

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Do you know an attorney interested in volunteering to assist inventors? To date, over 800 attorneys across the country have volunteered to provide free legal assistance to under-resourced inventors interested in securing patent protection for their inventions through the Patent Pro Bono program. In order to assist even more independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in 2017, we are looking for more attorneys to participate. Volunteer today or tag an attorney you know.

Director's Forum: A Blog from USPTO's Leadership
You can receive the Director’s Forum blog and other publications from the USPTO by enrolling at our Subscription Center.
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Reviews
277 Reviews
Tell people what you think
David Green
· November 27, 2016
It is excellent and simple through the US patent office to file a simple patent pending and generally that is all it takes if you're very creative and a poor si...mple person but smart. Remember Einstein invented the theory of relativity when he was a simple poor young patent clerk simply stamping the ideas of others See More
Kimberly Mitchell
· January 25, 2017
I have to say, the people who work in the patent and trademark office are awesome! � With all of the turmoil in government, I say proudly that the patent and trademark peeps deserve accolades. Kind, helpful, knowledgeable, and quick to respond. Thank you �
Sylvia Else
· December 9, 2016
It's a shame that the provisions regarding ex-parte reexamination are being undermined by corporations that are gaming the system with multiple continuation pat...ents and double patenting patents. One such, which I won't name, has a trivial invention now backed by an original patent, two continuation patents, and two double patenting patents (with associated terminal disclaimers). So knocking it over with prior art, of which there is some that's very relevant, would cost at least $30,000. Presumably that's why the corporation is doing this. If they threatent to sue for infringement, the target company would look at the cost of overturning the patent, and pay the asked for licence fee instead, if it's less. So every additional patent on the invention pushes the licence fee up by another $6000. The USPTO could discourage this practice by treating continuation patents and double patenting patents as one patent, for the purpose of charging. Examining all the patents at once wouldn't involve any more work than if the continuation patents and double patenting patents had been merged with the original. The legislation appears to allow the Director to do this. See More
Stewart Ater
· December 21, 2016
I really appreciated my fair, patient, patent examiners during their interview in Washington, DC. Their helpful work is an excellent example of our American go...vernment at its best! They and other US Patent Office examiners who presented a workshop at Rice University inspired me to do my best work. Thanks! See More
Keith Zander
· March 30, 2017
I am a patent troll. In 2013, the USPTO made maintenance fees "optional." I can buy a patent and NEVER pay a single maintenance fee for the remainder of the lif...e of the patent until it becomes profitable. The Fee Status will be have lapsed my patent into ineffectiveness. Then when someone builds one of the products in my patents, I merely have to submit a petition to pay the fees and claim that "the abandonment of my patent was unintentional." They don't require any kind evidence and even the courts won't argue how completely asinine this is. They say, "If a statement that the lapse was unintentional is all that is required by the PTO, then that's all we will require as well." There used to be a 2-year time limit on how long after your lapse you can pay the fees, but they removed that, too. So, now there is NEVER a good reason to pay your maintenance fee unless you need to sue someone...I'm certain the PTO will have a million arguments against this...none will be valid.

Now, nobody has to ever pay any maintenance fees unless they want to sue someone for infringement. I love the USPTO is doing the exact opposite of it's intended function. So, let's all stop paying maintenance fees until it is the profitable thing to do! YEAY!!!!!

Oh, and it get even more stupid! If you claim that your abandonment of the patent was unavoidable because of circumstances, you have to be able to prove those circumstances. You have to be able to prove why you had no possible means of making the payment or taking steps to have the payment made for you. This is very difficult to prove. How can you avoid this, just claim that your failure to pay was "unintentional" and you won't have to prove a damned thing! See More
LadyRoshida Thomas
· March 4, 2017
I was able to get all of my phrases trademark!! The fee was expensive but its worth it!!
Reese Karnuth
· April 12, 2017
Personally and professionally I have used many government websites and, by far the best is the USPTO. Others should take note!
Tom Arrico
· January 13, 2016
I have a fishing lure patent #7694453; a copy and I have been a used of stealing an idea from Blakemore Roadrunner; the copy has won $300,000.00 in last year Ba...ssMaster Classic. Also promoting infringement,do it yourself,actually showing how to by same components as my patent; for fishermen to make copies of my U S Patent. I went to out sourse manufacturing company " Tight Line Anglers owner Chuck Vanover; for quote price to make 50,000 of my lures , he is source of copies infringement by Blakemore TI,and Bassmaster Magazine owned by Jerry Mcgenius and editor James Hall. I also have great ,selling,fishermen request it,there is commercial interest to produce and profit and acquire,for years and years of print articles,brand,use of my patent. However,these participents in crime, do not own my u s patent and have no pending patent or application. The copy is belling sold by several companies, but not completing my supetior patent,but infringing by telling fisherman how to complete my patent by adding the same components themselves, this patent infringement according to my patnt lawyer. Also my lawyer advised,the test of equals proves the fish cannot tell the difference in look,action or intended results, 2) lawyers are reluctant to represent someone with out a us patent against some one with a current issued patent. The people at Blakemore are acussing me of stealing their lure by getting a patent,they claim their copy is representive of art of their trademark; with comparison their copy has been modified using my patented original. What do I do ? Time is being wasted for my term,my maintencefees have been paid, and a challenge to my patent and large profit have been stolen. I kept my idea secret and recorded it 1996 this is my first secret application,and it was kept secret when pat. Pending,the claims have been made after 2004 by infringers. It cost me to test and perfect my invention,it took thousands of dollars to search,prduce legal description and art and time just to get U S Patent #7694453. Now years have passed trying to market and protect my original (1996 until 2016 is Twenty Years invested in my patent) . What should I do now, If I die,who should get my patent then. I'm fighting legaly for my rights and license fees,royalties.
I have two more inventions, that would be used, tremendously more, by public works and cities. I won't disclose yet, mabe never. It is too epensive,too hard to protect us patent rights, however foreign markets also are easier and immediate reward can be negotiated for disclosure of invention. If the U S Patent is to being so difficult, and length of time to reward,other competitive markets is better direction. I have had better offers and no risk reward for my effort. See More
Marni S Feldman
· April 10, 2016
What an incredible organization! I only wish to compose the proper statements to portray how elite the Patent office is, in each and every way! To all fellow ...designers, inventors and entrepreneurs, please do not ever be discouraged to work with the Patent office direct. Having an Attorney to support for some guidance, when needed, is beneficial but anyone can complete the forms, sketches, provide added information, and work direct with the Patent office, with just a bit of guidance, right from the Patent office. I called the other day and the message noted, “We are having high call volume; your call will be answered in one minute.”! One minute is high call volume to them. They are so on top of everything. Then they have another message to keep anyone calling informed, “No one is ahead of you and your call will be answered in less than one minute.”! I was on hold with a private company for 20 minutes and it didn’t even phase them but the USPTO is so accommodating, courteous, and respectful of everyone’s valuable time. I understand we live in a microwave society and we want things done yesterday, when we are asking for them tomorrow, on today, however things take time, things happen and come into fruition, in their good time, when they are intended to happen, and things are completed when they are completed. Sometimes we feel it is our world but we share this world with everyone and with all due respect to myself, I’m sure there are countless applications with examiners to be reviewed on their desks. All in good time is a good motto, easier said than done, but a good motto, I believe. How attentive the Patent office is, how respectful, courteous, and what have you! Regardless of the outcome, they are so encouraging and constantly say, we will work it out together! They are so willing to help. They give the proper information or pass along to make certain anyone involved is informed. They are so professional! They are so informatory! So compassionate! So understanding! Communicate so well! So courteous! So respectful! So classy! The Patent office truly is a top-notch organization, all the way! If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would; highly recommendable! See More
Amir Rahim
· March 11, 2017
Nice and huge HQ in my fair city of Alexandria. I want to work there in the near future.
Braixen Fox
· October 7, 2016
You let someone trademark "invisible disabilities" to bully us so we can't even talk about ourselves? What is wrong with you?! It's an identity and experience that millions of people experience. Not some company to profit off of!
Shahzada Babar Sheikh
· October 7, 2016
It was simply awesome to be at USPTO and participating in the training sessions especially designed for the Pakistan Delegation. Thank you USPTO, coordinators and staff of US Department of Commerce, Commercial Law Development Program.................. 5/5
Rahmi Jened
· June 30, 2016
The most IP Office that ilove to visit ...I think I can learn much about IP in this prominent institution....how to make IP benefit for developing country...
...There are many of IPlaw n regulation and policy that coming from this institution...I really want to know how to valuate IP as an object of mortgage or secured transaction and portfollio transaction See More
Selentro C. Miller
· June 5, 2016
I'm having problems finding a specific IP in Engineering patents in technology that could assist me filing a provisional patent application. My case is at a sta...ndstill until I find the assistance I need to help me decide whether my general information will be accepted or will my original information to some marketing products need be up the USPTO standard, before for filing an non- provisional. I'm really searching all data possible for a IP that engineers patents and technology. I could possibly recover or claim some technology products that marketing that I have the original information. And could be acclaimed an inventor to proceed with more of my unreleased discoveries. Inbox me if you know anyone capable or if you interested See More
Kimberly Smith
· January 20, 2017
This is Beautiful, Amazing, Unique, A great source of information about Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, etc.
I love that ! Wonderful Website.. WOW. Incredible.
Thanks USPTO.
De Faria Alberto Charlie
· December 26, 2015
Hello my name is Charlie Alberto Dos Ramos. I am living in Orlando Fl. I have a good idea. I would like to know how can I patent it. I need some help for the pr...ocess. Thanks so much. If I can speak with somebody in Spanish or Portuguese it will be better. Thanks to read this post. My number is: 407 9538417 See More
Agnes Flaviano Spence
· January 20, 2016
Spoke to someone in the Office of Data Management with the rudest, arrogant attitude. Was not helpful at all and mentioned several times "I KNOW how to fill an... ADS..." Today (Jan. 20) was the worst customer service conversation (pst 9:44am). Answered the call, then immediately put me on hold after the greeting for 10 mins. Didn't even say his name so I can't even speak to management regarding this situation. See More
Ryan Deane
· March 19, 2016
Automatic salt despinsers... self charging elevators take stairs ride elevator down.
Motion sensor to lier seat so we (MEN) lol don't have to lift it every tim...e... toilet....
Seat.. vibrating/charging mechanism inside phone that as u walk charges. Like the step counter pendulum. Etc but wait there's more!!!#HOOYAH ok so these are some ideas I'm not an inventor but em well I'm a scientists kinda and I guess I am an inventor the birds sing great!!! Something like I'm a scientist to idk... like a dream or a memory... oh that's one of mine well that's what a lot of people sing.. so it's yeah I feel like I've done this before or had a dream about it now my girl asleep breathes spiritual level and you like me... etc inventors get on it a robot that dispensing salt on icy roads. Especially dangerous areas now for course someone will say you got salt in my cart etc rust etc Herr swipe ducks cell phone hand held sensors on each side five finger touch language. See More
Kristoforus Pitana Sudjana
· March 27, 2017
Are there patent for new drug of hypertension for pregnant women ?
Joyceann Crump
· February 9, 2017
God Is Excellent,, Keep Up The Good Work Of History,,,Happy New Year SMILE Citizens,,,Happy Rev.Martin Luther king Jr Birthday Belated,,,Happy Americans African Black History Month February
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The USPTO staff and guests celebrated World IP Day and this year’s theme, “Innovation: Improving Lives,” on April 26, 2017 at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Va. and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with guest Congressional speakers. Watch our World IP Day video about Patents for Humanity and how innovation improves lives, http://bit.ly/2pf5R9x, and read Director Michelle K. Lee’s remarks for this special celebration: http://bit.ly/2pi6lsM.

Spring is blooming and so are these patented trees #ArborDay

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Since Feds Feed Families' inception in 2009, our employees have participated in the annual summer food drive that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank, which serves more than 700 DC area food pantries and soup kitchens. Over the past seven years, we have donated nearly 30,000 pounds of food to help those in need. #NationalVolunteerWeek

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Mortimer Leggett, fourth Commissioner of Patents from 1871-1874, came to the office with a distinguished military career, having been made a brigadier general on the personal recommendation of General Grant. He fought at Champion Hills, Vicksburg, and marched with Sherman through the Carolinas. He also organized the first school system west of the Alleghenies, and while at the Patent Office, created a position of third-assistant examiner, ordering that women would be allowed to fill the position. Check back every Friday for more facts about past USPTO leaders or visit: http://bit.ly/USPTOpastleaders.

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If you want to learn about Trade Secrets this video provides a brief, yet informative introduction on what Trade Secrets are, why you should protect them, how they can impact a business’s bottom line, and their importance as Intellectual Property. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2mEMvX0.
Join the USPTO on May 8, 2017 for a public symposium on "Developments in Trade Secret Protection": http://bit.ly/2qciMcG.

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The latest update to the Patent and Trademark Assignment Research Dataset is now available. The 2016 update contains detailed information on 7.2 million patent assignments and other transactions recorded at the USPTO since 1970. It involves approximately 12.2 million patents and patent applications.

Patent Assignment Dataset | USPTO
The USPTO allows parties to record assignments of patents and patent applications to, as much as possible, maintain a complete history of claimed interests in a patent
uspto.gov

The USPTO staff and guests celebrated World IP Day and this year’s theme, “Innovation: Improving Lives,” on April 26, 2017 at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Va. and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with guest Congressional speakers. Watch our World IP Day video about Patents for Humanity and how innovation improves lives, http://bit.ly/2pf5R9x, and read Director Michelle K. Lee’s remarks for this special celebration: http://bit.ly/2pi6lsM.

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Amber Ostrup is a program manager within the USPTO Office of International Patent Cooperation, but to many relatives and friends, she is known as the "No-Sew Blanket Lady." In her spare time, Amber likes to make no-sew blankets to benefit cancer patients, veterans, homeless men and women, and the children of fallen heroes. Amber and USPTO employee volunteers have made over 1000 no-sew blankets over the years. As Amber says, “It only takes a little time and love to make an imprint on someone’s life.” Learn more about becoming a USPTO employee on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2paez6q.
#NationalVolunteerWeek

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Law students and faculty from across the country participating in the Law School Clinic Certification Program spent the day at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Va.on April 10, 2017. They heard from USPTO speakers, watched a Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) hearing, and participated in round table discussions, which included Patent Pro Bono among other topics. The Law School Clinic Certification Program enables law students in participating law school clinics to practice patent and trademark law before the USPTO while providing these services pro bono to the public. Learn more about the program: http://bit.ly/2oFhUwN.
More on the TTAB: http://bit.ly/2pvPGoH.
More on the Patent Pro Bono program: http://bit.ly/PatentProBono.

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Before World War I, most people didn’t wear a wrist watch, instead relying on clocks at home or pocket watches. WWI was a turning point, and with the need for soldiers in the field to synchronize watches. After the war, they became widespread and popular with the general public.
This month marks the centennial of the U.S. entry into WWI.

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World War I lore lives on with Snoopy Flying Ace chasing his nemesis, the Red Baron.
This month marks the centennial of the U.S. entry into #WWI.

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Twice each month, our agency partners with Inova Blood Donor Services to host a blood drive at our Alexandria headquarters. Since we began this partnership in 2013, our employees have donated approximately 7,500 pints of blood to help save lives.
#NationalVolunteerWeek
Learn more about becoming a USPTO employee on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2paez6q.

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The latest issue of our online newsletter for independent inventors, Inventors Eye, is now available. Entrepreneur Ramon Ray shares his small business experience, an inventor walks us through her innovation for a two minute sushi roller, and our staff picked five quirky design patents that may (or may not) fit into your spring wardrobe. Read about these topics and more in the Inventors Eye: http://bit.ly/2oVowHt.

April 2017 | USPTO
Do you have a “BIG” idea that you think will revolutionize the world or even solve a local community need? Are you prepared to take the next steps to give life to your idea? Or are you stuck and overwhelmed by the sheer size of the challenge that you’re having trouble taking the plunge into entrep...
uspto.gov

Charles Mason, Commissioner of Patents from 1853-1857, graduated first in his class from the West Point. Second in his class was Robert E. Lee. Check back every Friday for more facts about past USPTO leaders or visit: http://bit.ly/USPTOpastleaders.

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