Getting started with patents
Applying for a patent successfully requires a strong understanding of the application process. This is the first step to a successful application.
Helpful Resources:
- General information concerning patents
- Patent process overview
- Legal assistance and resources
- International Patent Cooperation
- Patent and Trademark Resource Centers
- Patent Statistics
Applying for a Patent
Make sure that something sets your invention apart from the other products already in the field. You should understand the application process and do some important research before embarking on the application process.
Helpful Resources:
- Search for patents
- File Online
- Responding to Office Actions
- Patent Trial and Appeal Board
- More Patent and Trademark Services
Maintaining a Patent
Learn more about the fees associated with maintaining a patent.
Helpful Resources:
- Maintain your patent
- Patent forms
- Maintenance Fees
- More Patent and Trademark Services
- Patents Assignments: Change & search ownership
Patent Tools & Links
- Search for patents
Find existing patents, published patent applications and other published patent documentation
- File Online
File a patent application online with EFS-Web
- Check the filing status of your patent application
Check patent application status with public PAIR and private PAIR
- Fees and payment
Pay fees and learn more about filing fees and other payments.
- Patent forms
Forms for patent applications and issued patents
- Patent Trial and Appeal Board
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) conducts trials, including inter partes, post-grant, and covered business method patent reviews and derivation proceedings, hears appeals…
- Patents Assignments: Change & search ownership
During the examination of pending patent application as well as after the patent is granted, the owner may create and submit a Patent Assignment Recordation Coversheet to change patent ownership or owner name.
- Laws, regulations, policies, procedures, guidance and training
Domestic and international rulemaking and law enforcement
- Legal assistance and resources
Find USPTO resources and programs for inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses seeking assistance with legal matters, including application filing, locating a registered…
- Manual of Patent Examining Procedure
Detailed information on patent examination laws, rules and regulations
- Official Gazette for Patents
Weekly publication of issued patents
- Contact Patents
Provides contact information for all stages of the patent process including the Patent Electronic Business Center, the Inventors Assistance Center, Office of Patent Legal Administration, and other Patents assistance services.
- Initiatives
A centralized listing of major Patent Application Initiatives provides applicants with access to information on several patent initiatives designed to advance and support the…
