INTRODUCTION

The Inventors Assistance Center (IAC), formerly the Patent Assistance Center (PAC) 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.

SERVICES PROVIDED

HOW TO CONTACT THE IAC

Telephone Numbers
 800-PTO-9199
(800-786-9199)

703-308-HELP
(703-308-4357)

 Hours of Operation 
Monday - Friday 
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (EST)

The IAC will not be staffed during Government holidays.
During those periods when the USPTO closes early (for example,
due to weather conditions) the IAC will also cease operations.

Upon dialing either of the above telephone numbers, you will first reach an automated information system. Often, the information sought can be obtained without speaking to a IAC representative. If you do not find the necessary information using the automated information system, your call will be forwarded to a General Information Services (GIS) operator who can provide literature on patent topics, send you forms, and answer basic questions if this is all that is needed. The GIS operator will transfer calls to the IAC as necessary. Currently, the IAC handles approximately 320 calls per day. So that we may assist all of our customers, we ask that you limit your calls to a reasonable length of time. A review of the materials available by mail or on the USPTO Web Site prior to your call will make your questions more meaningful and should provide the IAC staff with a better opportunity to properly answer your questions.

Before you contact the IAC, you may find the answers to your questions in the information available below or on the USPTO Main Site.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Patents
  
• General Information Concerning Patents
  
• Guide to Filing a Utility Patent Application
  
• Guide to Filing a Design Patent Application
  
• Patent Fee Information
  
• Patent Forms
  
• Provisional Application for Patent
  
• Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries
• Independent Inventors Program

INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIFIC PATENT APPLICATIONS

Specific questions concerning a particular patent application should be directed to the Customer Service Representative for the appropriate area as listed below.

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Text only links

United States Patent Office Home Page
Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy
Manual of Patent Examining Procedure Staff | International Liaison Staff
Office of Petitions | Patent Cooperation Treaty Legal Administration | Office of Patent Legal Administration
PCT Legal Affairs | PCT Special Programs | Inventor Assistance Center

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