Most people know the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as the entity that administers the patent and trademark laws and the place to submit a patent application. But, on the website, www.uspto.gov, you can also learn about additional free services of the USPTO. These services may include basic information on the trademark and patent system, forms, fees and other products and services of the USPTO.
If you are new to invention patenting, visiting the USPTO will provide free
invention information about patents and patenting. For example, if two or more people work on an invention, to whom will the patent be granted? The answer is a joint patent will be granted by the USPTO. On the site, you'll also find out the best way to follow up your patent application after you submit it. The USPTO is also responsible for maintaining a national network of Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries and these libraries will be a key part of your invention patenting search.
For more information, you can also call the USPTO toll free at 1-800-PTO-9199. The USPTO does have some restrictions on what it can offer you so representatives may transfer you to the Inventors Assistance Center or the Trademark Electronic Business Center for additional help.
