Office of Public Affairs

The Office of Public Affairs coordinates a wide variety of internal and external communications.

Press and Media Relations

The office facilitates media interviews with senior agency officials and writes and distributes press releases and media advisories.  It also ensures broad distribution of up-to-date and accurate information about USPTO and intellectual property protection by proactively pitching news stories, profiles and opinion editorial pieces to media outlets throughout the country.

To join the News@USPTO mailing list, please send an e-mail to subscribe.

For all media inquiries, contact the Office of Public Affairs main phone line at 571-272-8400.

Special Events

The office produces special events and ceremonies that celebrate milestones and accomplishments at the USPTO.  Some recent examples include the celebration of the one-millionth electronic trademark application , the roll-out of the new electronic filing system for patents , the Trademark Expo , the Sally Ride Toy Challenge , and more.

Speech Requests/Speaking Engagements

All requests for speakers are to be referred to Vicki Newman at 571-272-7670, Fax:(571) 273-0464
P.O. Box 1450
Alexandria, Va.  22313-1450

Publications

The office writes, edits, and distributes the agency’s electronic employee newsletter, USPTO Weekly.  USPTO Weekly submissions must be sent to the editor by the close of business on the Wednesday before publication.  The office is also responsible for the production of all other USPTO publications and works closely with the Chief Financial Officer on the annual Performance and Accountability Report.

Photography

All requests for photos related to the USPTO are to be referred to Dennis Forbes at 571-272-8331.

Museum

Under the supervision of the office, The National Inventors Hall of Fame manages the USPTO museum and store.  The museum, located on the atrium level of the Madison Building, is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.  The museum is available for receptions and events.  For more information, contact Channing Huhn at 571-272-0095.

The National Inventors Hall of Fame

The office works closely with the National Inventors Hall of Fame on a number of educational outreach and inventor recognition programs.  These include Camp Invention, the Collegiate Inventors Competition, the annual induction ceremony and an Ad Council campaign to encourage young people to be inventive and creative.  To learn more about these programs go to National Inventors Hall of Fame

Intellectual Property Curriculum

The USPTO has launched a new, dynamic curriculum that inspires students to be creative and teaches them about the value of patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as the importance of respecting other’s intellectual property.  The i-©®eaTM curriculum, developed by the USPTO in collaboration with i-SAFE—a leader in Internet safety education—is an interactive and age appropriate unit of instruction designed for upper-elementary, middle, and high school students.   View curriculum here.