United States Patent and Trademark Office

United States Patent and Trademark Office Leading the Nation and the World in Intellectual Property. Official source of information about the USPTO is available at www.uspto.gov. Welcome to the official USPTO page on Facebook.

If you're looking for the official source of information about the USPTO, please visit www.uspto.gov. We look forward to your comments and ideas. We welcome you to follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/uspto. You can also subscribe to a variety of newsletters and alerts through our Subscription Center at www.uspto.gov/subscribe. The USPTO reserves the right to delete any comments for any

If you're looking for the official source of information about the USPTO, please visit www.uspto.gov. We look forward to your comments and ideas. We welcome you to follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/uspto. You can also subscribe to a variety of newsletters and alerts through our Subscription Center at www.uspto.gov/subscribe. The USPTO reserves the right to delete any comments for any

Operating as usual

At the core of most inventions is the solution to a problem. Horticulturists at the University of Minnesota discovered H...
09/24/2021

At the core of most inventions is the solution to a problem. Horticulturists at the University of Minnesota discovered Honeycrisp when looking to develop a high quality apple variety hardy in winter weather. They received plant patent no. 7,197 for the fruit, which was described as having an “extremely crisp texture,” a “sub-acidic flavor and mild aroma,” and an extended growing season.

Learn more about plant patents and how to pick the type of #IP that is right for you: bit.ly/398nLQq

At the core of most inventions is the solution to a problem. Horticulturists at the University of Minnesota discovered Honeycrisp when looking to develop a high quality apple variety hardy in winter weather. They received plant patent no. 7,197 for the fruit, which was described as having an “extremely crisp texture,” a “sub-acidic flavor and mild aroma,” and an extended growing season.

Learn more about plant patents and how to pick the type of #IP that is right for you: bit.ly/398nLQq

Considering filing a provisional patent application? Check out our website to learn about the benefits of doing so, incl...
09/24/2021

Considering filing a provisional patent application? Check out our website to learn about the benefits of doing so, including a lower cost first filing, and options for following up with a nonprovisional patent application within 12 months: bit.ly/3kgrZfo

Considering filing a provisional patent application? Check out our website to learn about the benefits of doing so, including a lower cost first filing, and options for following up with a nonprovisional patent application within 12 months: bit.ly/3kgrZfo

We're proud to be a recipient of this year's Future Edge 50 award! Of the 50 awardees, the USPTO is the only federal age...
09/24/2021

We're proud to be a recipient of this year's Future Edge 50 award! Of the 50 awardees, the USPTO is the only federal agency. The award reflects innovation by our CIO and teams who use artificial intelligence and machine learning for patent auto-classification and business operations. Apply to join us: https://bit.ly/2Xe50sH

We're proud to be a recipient of this year's Future Edge 50 award! Of the 50 awardees, the USPTO is the only federal agency. The award reflects innovation by our CIO and teams who use artificial intelligence and machine learning for patent auto-classification and business operations. Apply to join us: https://bit.ly/2Xe50sH

On September 30, join us for a free, virtual program on developments in #IntellectualProperty law in China over the past...
09/23/2021

On September 30, join us for a free, virtual program on developments in #IntellectualProperty law in China over the past three months. Learn about patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, and IP enforcement in China from the experts! Register now: bit.ly/3hUyItV

On September 30, join us for a free, virtual program on developments in #IntellectualProperty law in China over the past three months. Learn about patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, and IP enforcement in China from the experts! Register now: bit.ly/3hUyItV

In 1834, Cyrus McCormick received a patent for a horse-drawn reaping machine with the potential to increase a field’s yi...
09/23/2021

In 1834, Cyrus McCormick received a patent for a horse-drawn reaping machine with the potential to increase a field’s yield of grain by a factor of ten. Although initially struggling for commercial success, he continued to improve upon the device during the difficult financial times following the Panic of 1837, the first major economic recession in U.S. history. Finally, in the mid-1840s, orders from farmers began pouring in, which allowed McCormick to move production from the blacksmith shop of his family’s farm in Virginia to a factory in Chicago in 1847, opening up new markets in the fertile midwest.

Agricultural inventions like the McCormick reaper allowed farmers to increase crop yield during harvest time, feeding a growing and increasingly urban population as labor shifted towards manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Learn more: bit.ly/39dtTa6

In 1834, Cyrus McCormick received a patent for a horse-drawn reaping machine with the potential to increase a field’s yield of grain by a factor of ten. Although initially struggling for commercial success, he continued to improve upon the device during the difficult financial times following the Panic of 1837, the first major economic recession in U.S. history. Finally, in the mid-1840s, orders from farmers began pouring in, which allowed McCormick to move production from the blacksmith shop of his family’s farm in Virginia to a factory in Chicago in 1847, opening up new markets in the fertile midwest.

Agricultural inventions like the McCormick reaper allowed farmers to increase crop yield during harvest time, feeding a growing and increasingly urban population as labor shifted towards manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Learn more: bit.ly/39dtTa6

Next month: Join us on October 13 to hear from successful Hispanic inventors and entrepreneurs about building networks a...
09/22/2021

Next month: Join us on October 13 to hear from successful Hispanic inventors and entrepreneurs about building networks and finding mentors in your community. Check out the agenda and register today: https://bit.ly/3nPvz21 #HispanicHeritageMonth

Next month: Join us on October 13 to hear from successful Hispanic inventors and entrepreneurs about building networks and finding mentors in your community. Check out the agenda and register today: https://bit.ly/3nPvz21 #HispanicHeritageMonth

Happy #fall, y’all! Start the season out right with our patented autumnal starter pack. What invention would you add to ...
09/22/2021

Happy #fall, y’all! Start the season out right with our patented autumnal starter pack. What invention would you add to the list?

Happy #fall, y’all! Start the season out right with our patented autumnal starter pack. What invention would you add to the list?

There is still time to sign up for our webinar on the USPTO’s trademark register protection initiatives! If you are an e...
09/21/2021

There is still time to sign up for our webinar on the USPTO’s trademark register protection initiatives! If you are an experienced trademark professional, join us this Thursday, September 23 to learn more about this important topic. Register here: bit.ly/3jhUl8r

There is still time to sign up for our webinar on the USPTO’s trademark register protection initiatives! If you are an experienced trademark professional, join us this Thursday, September 23 to learn more about this important topic. Register here: bit.ly/3jhUl8r

Through their #IntellectualProperty and foreign affairs expertise, our IP attachés help U.S. stakeholders address challe...
09/21/2021

Through their #IntellectualProperty and foreign affairs expertise, our IP attachés help U.S. stakeholders address challenges and issues they may face in the global marketplace. Check out our case studies for a few real-life examples: bit.ly/2Samzqt

Through their #IntellectualProperty and foreign affairs expertise, our IP attachés help U.S. stakeholders address challenges and issues they may face in the global marketplace. Check out our case studies for a few real-life examples: bit.ly/2Samzqt

The #Patents4Humanity Award is the USPTO’s top honor for patent applicants whose game-changing innovations address globa...
09/20/2021

The #Patents4Humanity Award is the USPTO’s top honor for patent applicants whose game-changing innovations address global humanitarian challenges. Learn more about this year’s call for #inventions that have helped in the fight against COVID-19, and how to apply before the September 30 deadline: bit.ly/2JTZykC #MotivationMonday

The #Patents4Humanity Award is the USPTO’s top honor for patent applicants whose game-changing innovations address global humanitarian challenges. Learn more about this year’s call for #inventions that have helped in the fight against COVID-19, and how to apply before the September 30 deadline: bit.ly/2JTZykC #MotivationMonday

Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, in 1935, Johnny Pacheco immigrated at a young age to New York Ci...
09/20/2021

Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, in 1935, Johnny Pacheco immigrated at a young age to New York City. He attended the Juilliard School and soon made a name for himself as a flutist, percussionist, and band leader. Still in his 20s, he founded “Fania Records,” the first world-famous record label devoted to salsa music. Learn more about Pacheco and Fania in our latest installment of #JourneysOfInnovation: bit.ly/3Byzzb4. #HispanicHeritageMonth

📷 courtesy of Craft Latino Recordings, a division of Concord.

Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, in 1935, Johnny Pacheco immigrated at a young age to New York City. He attended the Juilliard School and soon made a name for himself as a flutist, percussionist, and band leader. Still in his 20s, he founded “Fania Records,” the first world-famous record label devoted to salsa music. Learn more about Pacheco and Fania in our latest installment of #JourneysOfInnovation: bit.ly/3Byzzb4. #HispanicHeritageMonth

📷 courtesy of Craft Latino Recordings, a division of Concord.

If your favorite subject was recess, this #BackToSchool invention is for you. In 1923, patent attorney Sebastian Hinton ...
09/17/2021

If your favorite subject was recess, this #BackToSchool invention is for you. In 1923, patent attorney Sebastian Hinton received U.S. patent number 1,471,465 for a climbing structure better known as the jungle gym.

If your favorite subject was recess, this #BackToSchool invention is for you. In 1923, patent attorney Sebastian Hinton received U.S. patent number 1,471,465 for a climbing structure better known as the jungle gym.

Want to learn about the #USPTO’s efforts to protect the accuracy of the U.S. trademark register? Join us on September 23...
09/17/2021

Want to learn about the #USPTO’s efforts to protect the accuracy of the U.S. trademark register? Join us on September 23 to learn about initiatives including the Post Registration Audit Program and the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020. Register now: bit.ly/3jhUl8r

Want to learn about the #USPTO’s efforts to protect the accuracy of the U.S. trademark register? Join us on September 23 to learn about initiatives including the Post Registration Audit Program and the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020. Register now: bit.ly/3jhUl8r

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the America Invents Act (AIA), which was signed into law by President Obama on Septe...
09/16/2021

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the America Invents Act (AIA), which was signed into law by President Obama on September 16, 2011. The most sweeping reform to the U.S. patent system since the Patent Act of 1952, this legislation set out to create a modern, objective, and efficient system to foster American innovation.

In the past decade, the AIA has led to the following reforms:

💼 Institution of the Patent Pro Bono program, providing free legal assistance for under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses in all 50 states

🏢 Opening of four regional offices, bringing USPTO resources to communities across the nation

✍️ Implementation of the “first inventor to file” standard, bringing the U.S. patent system in line with other IP offices around the world

⚖️ Establishment of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to provide petitioners with a more cost-effective, faster alternative to district court litigation

💰 Granted the USPTO fee setting authority, which led to hiring more examiners and bringing state-of-the-art IT resources to the agency

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the America Invents Act (AIA), which was signed into law by President Obama on September 16, 2011. The most sweeping reform to the U.S. patent system since the Patent Act of 1952, this legislation set out to create a modern, objective, and efficient system to foster American innovation.

In the past decade, the AIA has led to the following reforms:

💼 Institution of the Patent Pro Bono program, providing free legal assistance for under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses in all 50 states

🏢 Opening of four regional offices, bringing USPTO resources to communities across the nation

✍️ Implementation of the “first inventor to file” standard, bringing the U.S. patent system in line with other IP offices around the world

⚖️ Establishment of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to provide petitioners with a more cost-effective, faster alternative to district court litigation

💰 Granted the USPTO fee setting authority, which led to hiring more examiners and bringing state-of-the-art IT resources to the agency

Is patent or trademark protection part of your business growth plan? Check out our resources for inventors and entrepren...
09/15/2021

Is patent or trademark protection part of your business growth plan? Check out our resources for inventors and entrepreneurs on applying for #IP protection, how to protect yourself against scams, special tips for startups, and more: bit.ly/2ndsf1K #SmallBusinessWeek

Is patent or trademark protection part of your business growth plan? Check out our resources for inventors and entrepreneurs on applying for #IP protection, how to protect yourself against scams, special tips for startups, and more: bit.ly/2ndsf1K #SmallBusinessWeek

On July 5, 1968, Johnny Pacheco and his business partner Jerry Masucci filed a trademark application for the name “Fania...
09/15/2021

On July 5, 1968, Johnny Pacheco and his business partner Jerry Masucci filed a trademark application for the name “Fania” and obtained registration the following year (U.S. Trademark No. 873,009). In commercial use since 1964, “Fania” was fast becoming the world’s premiere label for salsa music. The term itself, “salsa” (literally: “hot sauce”), had originated with Pacheco and Masucci themselves, who used it to market their particular brand of Afro-Caribbean dance music to ever wider audiences. Learn more in our latest #JourneysOfInnovation: bit.ly/3Byzzb4 #HispanicHeritageMonth

On July 5, 1968, Johnny Pacheco and his business partner Jerry Masucci filed a trademark application for the name “Fania” and obtained registration the following year (U.S. Trademark No. 873,009). In commercial use since 1964, “Fania” was fast becoming the world’s premiere label for salsa music. The term itself, “salsa” (literally: “hot sauce”), had originated with Pacheco and Masucci themselves, who used it to market their particular brand of Afro-Caribbean dance music to ever wider audiences. Learn more in our latest #JourneysOfInnovation: bit.ly/3Byzzb4 #HispanicHeritageMonth

What’s your signature color? To wrap up #FedFashionWeek, check out this collection of unique colors that are also regist...
09/14/2021

What’s your signature color? To wrap up #FedFashionWeek, check out this collection of unique colors that are also registered trademarks.

What’s your signature color? To wrap up #FedFashionWeek, check out this collection of unique colors that are also registered trademarks.

A crowded marketplace means abundant choices for consumers, but can pose a challenge for entrepreneurs trying to compete...
09/14/2021

A crowded marketplace means abundant choices for consumers, but can pose a challenge for entrepreneurs trying to compete and innovate. Port City® Brewing Company solved this problem by tapping into intellectual property, melding trademarks and patents in a potent #IP strategy unique within the craft beer industry. Owners Bill and Karen Butcher offer some advice for entrepreneurs just starting out: “Plan for success and act as if your brand names are going to have value in the future. Treat your intellectual property accordingly and give it the due process to make sure that when you become successful, your IP is protected.”

Read their full story here: bit.ly/2SuFnNY #SmallBusinessWeek

A crowded marketplace means abundant choices for consumers, but can pose a challenge for entrepreneurs trying to compete and innovate. Port City® Brewing Company solved this problem by tapping into intellectual property, melding trademarks and patents in a potent #IP strategy unique within the craft beer industry. Owners Bill and Karen Butcher offer some advice for entrepreneurs just starting out: “Plan for success and act as if your brand names are going to have value in the future. Treat your intellectual property accordingly and give it the due process to make sure that when you become successful, your IP is protected.”

Read their full story here: bit.ly/2SuFnNY #SmallBusinessWeek

From NFL cornerback to founder and CEO of Windpact®, Shawn Springs has served as a role model for others striving for su...
09/13/2021

From NFL cornerback to founder and CEO of Windpact®, Shawn Springs has served as a role model for others striving for success. Springs’ company uses patented padding to protect athletes, soldiers, and automobile passengers from traumatic brain injuries. His Crash Cloud® technology is a unique combination of foam and controlled air, which absorbs energy when compressed and dissipates it through impact vents. Receiving his patent helped Springs grow his team.

Springs has won many awards throughout his life, but for him, “The coolest award I have is my name on a patent.” Learn more about his story: bit.ly/2vES2G8 #SmallBusinessWeek

From NFL cornerback to founder and CEO of Windpact®, Shawn Springs has served as a role model for others striving for success. Springs’ company uses patented padding to protect athletes, soldiers, and automobile passengers from traumatic brain injuries. His Crash Cloud® technology is a unique combination of foam and controlled air, which absorbs energy when compressed and dissipates it through impact vents. Receiving his patent helped Springs grow his team.

Springs has won many awards throughout his life, but for him, “The coolest award I have is my name on a patent.” Learn more about his story: bit.ly/2vES2G8 #SmallBusinessWeek

Today, we pause to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks 20 years ago. #W...
09/11/2021

Today, we pause to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks 20 years ago. #WeRemember

Today, we pause to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks 20 years ago. #WeRemember

Know an innovator responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with game-changing technology? Tell them about our special #Patent...
09/10/2021

Know an innovator responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with game-changing technology? Tell them about our special #Patents4Humanity category, which will provide business incentives to those whose inventions have helped track, prevent, diagnose, or treat #COVID19. Learn more about eligibility for the award and apply before the September 30 deadline: bit.ly/34EvV0S

Know an innovator responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with game-changing technology? Tell them about our special #Patents4Humanity category, which will provide business incentives to those whose inventions have helped track, prevent, diagnose, or treat #COVID19. Learn more about eligibility for the award and apply before the September 30 deadline: bit.ly/34EvV0S

Address

600 Dulany St
Alexandria, VA
22314

Metro: Blue/Yellow - King Street, Yellow - Eisenhower

Telephone

(571) 272-1000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when United States Patent and Trademark Office posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to United States Patent and Trademark Office:

Videos

World Intellectual Property Day 2021
World Intellectual Property Day 2021

20210319_windpact_highlight3_final_cut (1).mp4
20210319_windpact_highlight3_final_cut (1).mp4

20210319_windpact_highlight2_final_cut (1).mp4
20210319_windpact_highlight2_final_cut (1).mp4

Shawn Springs and Windpact
Shawn Springs and Windpact

NCEAI Innovation Chat: Creating Innovators
NCEAI Innovation Chat: Creating Innovators

Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium 2021: Lessons from successful innovative women with special guest U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium 2021: Lessons from successful innovative women with special guest U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo

2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium: Investing in innovation
2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium: Investing in innovation

2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium: Resources for protecting your intellectual property
2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium: Resources for protecting your intellectual property

2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium: Pathways to invention, entrepreneurship, and STEM careers for K-12 and beyond
2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium: Pathways to invention, entrepreneurship, and STEM careers for K-12 and beyond

2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium
2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium

Attend the Veterans Innovation and Entrepreneurship program
Attend the Veterans Innovation and Entrepreneurship program

The Shining, the Steadicam®, and me: an interview with inventor Garrett Brown
The Shining, the Steadicam®, and me: an interview with inventor Garrett Brown

Patents for Humanity Awards Ceremony 2020
Patents for Humanity Awards Ceremony 2020

#10MillionPatents: X patents
#10MillionPatents: X patents

Slinky patent
Slinky patent

Waffle-related patents
Waffle-related patents

Waffle patents for any time of the day. #WaffleDay

Invention-Con 2020 Day 3
Invention-Con 2020 Day 3

Day three will bring it all together with learning best practices from those who have charted a path to successful commercialization. Attendees will be able to learn about the challenges and triumphs and tips for making it in the commercial market. Agenda and speaker bios: https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/invention-con-2020

Invention-Con 2020 Day 2
Invention-Con 2020 Day 2

Invention-Con 2020 continues! Watch day two to learn about business planning for the inventor. Speakers will talk about working with the inventor and maker who has their intellectual property in the works, and giving them the tools to guide them to becoming an entrepreneur or small business owner and what they need to think about in planning for success.

USPTO Director Andrei Iancu
USPTO Director Andrei Iancu

USPTO Director Andrei Iancu

Invention-Con 2020
Invention-Con 2020

Are you an independent inventor, entrepreneur, small business owner, or intellectual property (IP) professional? If so, mark your calendars now for Invention-Con 2020, coming Thursday – Saturday, August 20 – 22. This year’s theme is “Your IP: A power tool for building success.” Agenda and speaker bios: https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/invention-con-2020

USPTO, inventors, and partners celebrate World IP Day 2020
USPTO, inventors, and partners celebrate World IP Day 2020

Together with remarks from USPTO Director Andrei Iancu, U.S. inventors showcase their innovations in green technology and discuss the importance of strong intellectual property rights in launching their inventions. Watch the video and read the blog: https://bit.ly/3cQuOwX.

12 Days of Patents
12 Days of Patents

We have our own twist on a holiday classic: http://bit.ly/2PSgaeE. To learn more about patents and the importance of IP protection, visit https://www.uspto.gov/.

D'oh!
D'oh!

Don't be like Homer and miss out on protecting your IP. Remember his "Everything’s Okay Alarm," "Dr. Homer’s Miracle Spine-o-Cylinder," Homer’s "Moon Waffles," "Lazy Man Toilet Seat,” and “Mr. Plow”? #TheSimpsons #Simpsons30

Happy holidays!
Happy holidays!

Happy holidays from the USPTO! Visit our headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia to see our holiday display, and stop by the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) museum for special exhibits. Remember to tag USPTO and NIHF in your selfies.

Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays from the USPTO! You can view the entire Inventor Collectible Card Series at https://www.uspto.gov/kids/cards.html.

Shortcuts

Category

Nearby government services

Other Public & Government Services in Alexandria

Show All