Inventor and entrepreneur resources

The patent process can be challenging if you are not familiar with it. Here is basic information on the patent process.

The trademark process can be confusing for a beginner, so the links below provide useful information on registering a trademark with the USPTO.

The Inventors Assistance Center (IAC) provides patent information and services to the public. The IAC is staffed by former supervisory patent examiners and experienced primary examiners who answer general questions concerning patent examining policy and procedure. The Trademark Assistance Center can answer general questions about the trademark process or provide guidance on the type of information to include on a form, but may not provide specific legal advice.

Guides and additional resources and information for inventors.

While the USPTO does not investigate complaints or participate in any legal proceedings against invention promoters/promotion firms, under the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999, the USPTO will provide a public forum for the publication of complaints concerning invention promoters/promotion firms.

Are you an inventor or small business who has limited resources and needs help applying for a patent on an invention? If so, you may be eligible to receive pro bono (“for free”) attorney representation through the Nationwide Pro Bono Program.

Information about conferences and conventions.