Illinois residents have access to a host of unique resources and assistance in their state. Certain libraries are designated as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRC), which provide resources and trained staff to help customers use and understand USPTO information and filing systems. Additionally, our Midwest Elijah J. McCoy Regional Outreach Office provides additional support and resources for customers in the Midwest region of the United States.
We suggest calling ahead of your visit for hours of operation, services, and fees.
Get connected in your state
Explore opportunities and assistance available near you.
Get free patent and trademark legal assistance
Patent Pro Bono Program
Illinois inventors are served by the Chicago-Kent Patent Hub, part of the USPTO's nationwide pro bono program that matches inventors who qualify (based on income) with volunteer attorneys and patent professionals that will help you file your patent application.
Law school clinics
Illinois inventors and entrepreneurs can obtain free legal help for both patent and trademark matters by contacting the following:
- Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (trademarks, with preference to Chicago): elc@law.northwestern.edu
- Saint Louis University School of Law (trademarks): LegalClinics@slu.edu
- UIC Law School (patents, with preference to Illinois): law-patentclinic@uic.edu (trademarks): law-tmclinicinfo@uic.edu
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (patents): EIPAssistance@wulaw.wustl.edu.
In addition to the law school clinics listed above, there are 19 law school clinics that provide free patent and trademark services to all residents of the United States regardless of location.
Network with inventor and entrepreneur organizations in your state
Inventor clubs and organizations can be a great way to connect with local inventors and entrepreneurs and open more doors to resources and opportunities. Below are a list of organizations in Illinois. If you represent an inventor group or nonprofit and would like to have your organization listed here, please email midwest@uspto.gov.
Illinois Innovators and Inventors
P.O. Box 58
Edwardsville IL 62025
ilinventor.tripod.com
Chicago Inventors Organization
chicago-inventors.org
Attend an eventFind a registered patent attorney
Do you have suggestions for resources to include on this page? Please contact midwest@uspto.gov.