The USPTO examines applications for patents to determine if the applicants are entitled to patents and grants the patents when they are so entitled. It examines applications for trademark registration to determine if the applicants are entitled to register their trademarks and issues trademark registrations.
The USPTO publishes issued patents, approved trademark registrations and various publications concerning patents and trademarks; records assignments of patents and trademarks; and maintains search rooms and a national network of Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries for the use by the public to study issued patents, registered trademarks, and pending trademark applications and records relating to both patents and trademarks. It also supplies copies of records and other papers.
What free assistance is available from the USPTO?
Free basic information on the patent and trademark system, forms, fees, products and services of the USPTO is available by calling the USPTO’s toll-free line, 800-PTO-9199 or by calling 703-308-HELP.USPTO customer service representatives are available to answer questions, send free materials or connect you with other offices of the USPTO from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday excluding federal holidays.
A USPTO automated message system is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day providing informational responses to frequently asked questions and the ability to order certain free documents.
Where do I find local assistance?
Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries or PTDLs are a nationwide network of libraries that provide patent and trademark information. 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.Inventor support organizations and clubs are local groups that you can join and find support. This is a fantastic way for a new inventor to learn more about the process of inventing.
