USPTO

Join USPTO experts for our federal trademark filing webinar on March 28, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET. You'll learn the fundamentals of our new filing system in Trademark Center. We'll cover: ✅Trademark Center basics ✅ Pre-filing checklist ✅ Step-by-step filing demonstration ✅ Where to find helpful resources We'll end with a Q&A session to address your questions. Whether you're a small business owner preparing to file a trademark application, or an experienced trademark attorney looking to expand your skills, you won't want to miss this opportunity to get expert guidance on the new system. Register for the webinar: https://bit.ly/41VgkrY

Patent examiners have blazed new trails for over a century! In 1873, amid a national debate about women’s rights, the Patent Office appointed its first female examiner. Already employed as a clerk at the Patent Office, Anna Nichols was one of five women permitted to sit for the examinership test, and the only one to be granted an examiner position. Her success paved the way for others; several women joined Nichols in examining over the next few decades. #WomensHistoryMonth #TeamUSPTO

Did you know that your signature brand colors can be protected as part of a federal trademark?    Companies have been protecting their colors for decades, building recognition of their goods or services for customers.    If you’ve ever eaten a Reese’s peanut butter cup, you may have noticed a message on the wrapper: The orange color is a trademark owned by the Hershey Company. It was claimed as a feature of its mark – along with brown and yellow – in a 1971 trademark application.    In its 1998 trademark application for advertising and business services, Tiffany and Company said its mark is “a shade of blue sometimes referenced to as robin’s egg blue.” The company called it one of the most famous color trademarks and said it is so well-known around the world that people instantly recognize Tiffany as the source.    Christian Louboutin secured a trademark for the lacquered red soles on his footwear – which are so well known, they’ve made cameos in the lyrics of countless songs.     Colors can’t be claimed as an all-encompassing mark on any product – they must be registered for specific classes of goods or services. Also, the color must be claimed as a feature of the mark in the mark’s description. To claim a color in a trademark application, innovators must demonstrate distinctiveness and non-functionality of the color. Have questions about protecting your brands colors? Contact our team of experts at the Trademark Assistance Center:    🗓️ Monday to Friday  🕒 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET  📞 800 – 786 – 9199 (press 1)  📩 TrademarkAssistanceCenter@USPTO.gov  💻 https://bit.ly/3Sao3NH 

We love to talk about intellectual property – what it is, the different ways to protect it, and why it’s such an exciting field to work in. Last week, we met with students from The Ohio State University who were visiting various federal agencies to learn about their missions and the types of roles at each. We may be biased, but we think we might be THE, -err, the, favorite! 😉  #TeamUSPTO

A new display from the National Inventors Hall of Fame at the USPTO headquarters building recognizes women’s achievements and features their thoughts on leadership, persistence and the power of inspiration. The exhibit – "Making the Leap: The Business of Innovation" – celebrates six women who took calculated risks in their fields and shattered barriers as businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

We feel lucky to have the country’s most dedicated experts in engineering, technology and design working to keep America’s innovation moving! This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re celebrating the contributions Irish Americans have made to our innovation ecosystem. From medical devices to submarines, America’s innovation system has deep connections to Irish American heritage that is supported by the dedicated examiners at the USPTO. Our team’s expertise spans biotechnology, chemical and materials engineering, computer architecture, cybersecurity, telecommunications, semiconductors, design, national security and medical devices – and all of the professional staff who work behind the scenes to support examiners. #StPatricksDay 🍀

Happy #PiDay! 🥧 While we celebrate the mathematical constant π (3.14), let's also appreciate pie-related inventions that make our favorite desserts delightful. From the pie pan (No. 877,852) to the pie-filling device (No. 4,581,991), math, science, and baking enthusiasts can unite to celebrate innovation that brings delicious treats to our tables.

Scammers pressure you to act fast, before you can think through what saying. They may tell you not to hang up or threaten you with losing money or your trademark rights. Don't fall for their threats. Resist the urge to act immediately. If unsure, contact the USPTO Trademark Assistance Center at TrademarkAssistanceCenter@uspto.gov or calling 1-800-786-9199 (press 1). Learn more about protecting against trademark scams: https://lnkd.in/gwe4RJSg.

When filing for a patent, drawings may be required to understand the invention. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to make sure your drawings meet USPTO standards:    1. Line quality is too light  2. Drawing has color (you need a petition for this)  3. Missing lead lines    Learn more drawing tips at uspto.gov. 

Anna Keichline, the first woman registered as an architect in Pennsylvania, inspired generations of women in the architecture world through her inventions and philosophy of efficiency and economy in construction. Anna designed more than two dozen structures and obtained several patents for inventions to improve the design and construction of household areas. Her most well-known invention, the "K-Brick," is a forerunner of concrete block design today. Anna's great niece, Nancy J. Perkins, carries on the family legacy of innovation through her work as an industrial designer and patent holder. The family's work to revolutionize design and construction continues to benefit these industries today. Read more about Anna in our latest Journeys of Innovation story: https://bit.ly/41xbpfl