Michigan

Michigan 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

Michigan inventors are served by the Michigan Pro Bono Patent Project, 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

Michigan inventors and entrepreneurs can obtain free legal help for both patent and trademark matters by contacting:

Wayne State University Law School (patents): patentclinic@wayne.edu
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law: IPClinic@udmercy.edu
Indiana University McKinney School of Law (patents and trademarks): iuindip@iupui.edu
University of Notre Dame Law School (patents and trademarks): ipclinic@nd.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 Michigan. If you represent an inventor group or nonprofit and would like to have your organization listed here, please email midwest@uspto.gov.

Michigan Inventors Coalition
(616) 402-4714
ontvgrin@gmail.com

Techtown Detroit
https://techtowndetroit.org/
(313) 879-5250
paul@techtowndetroit.org

The Michigan Business Innovation Association
https://michiganincubation.org/
(269) 353-1823
michigan.incubation@gmail.com

The WMed Innovation Center/Kalamazoo SmartZone
(269) 353-1823
wmedic@med.wmich.edu

Cahoots
https://cahoots.com
(734) 249-8988
in@cahoots.com

Grand Rapids Inventors Network (GRIN)
https://www.grinventors.com/
(616) 935-5113
info@grinventors.com

Michigan Small Business Development Center
https://sbdcmichigan.org/

Invent@NMU
https://invent.nmu.edu/
(906) 227-6253
invent@nmu.edu

Innovate Marquette SmartZone
https://www.innovatemarquette.org/
(906) 227-6261
info@innovatemarquette.org

U.S. Small Business Administration, Michigan District (SBA)
https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/mi/detroit
(313) 226-6075
michigan@sba.gov

Attend an event Find a registered patent attorney

Do you have suggestions for resources to include on this page? Please contact midwest@uspto.gov.