United States Patent and Trademark Office

Commerce Secretary John Bryson greets an employee of the USPTO in her office.

Commerce Secretary John Bryson greets an employee during his February 3 tour of the USPTO. | Photo by Cheron Green / USPTO

Secretary of Commerce Visits USPTO

United States Secretary of Commerce John Bryson paid his first visit to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office since he became Secretary last October. Bryson toured the facility and greeted USPTO employees.

President Obama smiles standing next to Yvonne Brill after presenting her with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation

President Obama smiles after presenting Yvonne Brill with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, October 21, 2011. | Photo by Arva Adams / USPTO

Who Should Receive a National Medal of Technology and Innovation?

The USPTO is accepting nominations for the 2012 National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Awarded each year by the President of the United States, the medal is the nation's highest honor granted to groundbreaking inventors and innovators. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2012.

Illustration by Yakobchuk / bigstock.com

Patent Ombudsman Program Is Your Liaison

Now in its second year, the Ombudsman Program enhances the USPTO's ability to assist applicants or their representatives with issues that arise during patent application prosecution. More specifically, when there is a breakdown in the normal application process, including before and after prosecution, the Ombudsman Program can assist in getting the application back on track.

Two exterior images of the building to house the new USPTO Detroit office.

Two views of the new home for the USPTO in Detroit. | Photo courtesy of Beth Singer Photographer, Inc.

USPTO Selects Riverfront Site for New Detroit Office

With more than 100 new jobs for the city, the USPTO anticipates opening its new Detroit office in July 2012. The location is listed on the National Historic Registry and was the former home to Parke-Davis Laboratories as well as the Stroh’s Brewery Headquarters.

Map of US showing roadshow dates and locations

USPTO to Host Educational Public "Roadshow" Series on America Invents Act

The USPTO has planned a series of cross-country roadshows to discuss our proposed rules implementing various provisions of the America Invents Act. Look for them beginning in February.

Thomas Jefferson says, "I’M OFTEN CALLED THE FATHER OF INVENTION, BUT I DON’T NEED TO INVENT REASONS FOR YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM OF PATENT EXAMINERS"

Patent Examiner Vacancies Extended. Apply by Feb. 7 to Join the USPTO.

Yearning for a job that harnesses the power of innovation, and provides work/life balance? As a Patent Examiner with USPTO, you‘ll be working with the largest intellectual property rights entity in the nation.