March 12, 2025

A patent is essentially a government-granted right that allows the holder to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing a particular invention for a set period of time. This protection encourages innovation by ensuring that inventors have exclusive rights…

March 4, 2025

USPTO Authored by: Jeremy J. Gustrowsky A recent decision from the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) highlights the challenges of patenting advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. In the appeal concerning U.S. Patent Application No. 16/319,040, filed by…

February 12, 2025

When it comes to patents, understanding what they protect is key for inventors and creators alike. The most common type, the utility patent, safeguards useful inventions. This could encompass a wide range of innovations, such as processes, machines, chemical compounds,…

January 15, 2025

Common misconceptions about the patent system can really hold businesses back from seizing growth opportunities and securing their place in the market, especially when there’s fierce competition out there. One of the biggest myths? “If I patent it, I can…

August 1, 2024

The USPTO’s inventors conference will take place August 16-17 in-person and virtually. This free, flagship conference is tailored for the independent inventor and entrepreneur community. Learn how accomplished innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners use IP to achieve success, discover…

April 29, 2024

Invention-Con is the USPTO’s annual conference for independent inventors, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners whose success depends on guarding their creative work. Tailored for the independent inventor community, this free marquee event brings inspiration and resources directly to you. Connect with fellow…

April 26, 2024

Every April 26, we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day to learn about the role that IP rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. In 2024 World IP Day celebrates changemakers worldwide who are driving the innovation and creativity needed to…

February 11, 2024

We celebrate the ingenuity and creativity of inventors nationwide. We wish you a Happy National Inventors Day and invite you to check out the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees who have made an impact on the world. Their stories…

February 5, 2024

On Thursday, February 22nd, the USPTO is hosting the 2024 Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, “Innovate, Elevate, and Empower: Connecting the entrepreneur to the innovation ecosystem.” Special guests and expert panelists will discuss resources and services that can help you…

February 2, 2024

The webinars are intended for both new users and experienced practitioners. Each webinar builds upon the prior event and covers more complex subject matter. For information about this event, including CLE credit, accessibility requests, and registration. please visit USPTO.

December 22, 2023

The USPTO is accepting candidates until January 31, 2024 for a new pre-application review program called the “Pre-Prosecution Pilot” as part of its continuing commitment to expand access to the innovation ecosystem and support under resourced inventors. The pilot program…

October 25, 2023

With intellectual property rights enshrined in the United States Constitution, the patent system is nearly as old as the nation itself. The U.S. government has granted millions of patents since Samuel Hopkins received the first patent in U.S. history on…