In connection with American Dream Week (July 31 – August 4, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight the important role Commerce agencies play in creating jobs and economic opportunities in American communities across the nation Blog by Joe Matal, Performing the Functions and Duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO At Camp...

On May 4th, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) inducted fifteen of America’s greatest innovators into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., CBS News correspondent and television personality Mo Rocca moderated the event, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO Michelle K. Lee gave...

Helping small businesses and independent inventors with limited resources is an important goal of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as they serve a vital role in our country’s economy. The USPTO has several free or reduced fee programs to assist independent inventors and small businesses in securing patent protection for their inventions, including the Patent Pro Bono Program, Pro Se...

This month marks the centennial of the United States’ entry into World War I on April 6, 1917, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has taken a look back into its archives of patents and trademarks from that era. World War I, and the years that came after it, resulted in a surge of American ingenuity and technological innovation. As soldiers faced different types of warfare, new...

On April 26th, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) celebrated World Intellectual Property (IP) day in Washington, D.C., as well as across the country in Houston, Chicago and Silicon Valley. The theme of this year’s World IP Day is “Innovation – Improving Lives.” One program which is a prime example innovation improving lives is Patents for Humanity, the USPTO’s awards competition...

Guest blog post by D. Lawrence Tarazano, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office This originally appeared on Smithsonian.com on March 14, 2017. When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, people think of many different things: Irish folk music, green beer, corned beef and cabbage. But I have something else in mind. Championed by a leprechaun, they’re magically delicious!™ If you guessed Lucky Charms™ breakfast...