IP basic toolkits

Do you want to learn more about intellectual property (IP), but you aren’t sure where to start? The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in conjunction with the United States Copyright Office, has created toolkits to help those new to IP learn the basics of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and to provide step-by-step guides to obtaining protection for each type of IP. 

Don’t know what type of IP you have? The USPTO’s IP Identifier can assist you. And if you need more help, you can explore the many free resources the USPTO offers at our Access our free services webpage.

IP is all around you

A workspace including a desk, a printer, a shelf with books, and a small cork board. Different objects representing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets can be found around the desk.
An illustration of a logo on a water bottle that represents Trademark intellectual property.

Trademark Registration Toolkit

Learn how to register your trademark
An illustration of a combination lock on a desk drawer to secure information representing Trade Secrets intellectual property.

Trade Secrets Toolkit

Learn how to protect a trade secret
: an illustration of a lightbulb and process schematic that represents Utility Patents intellectual property.

Patent Basics

Learn about the patent process

an illustration of books, painting, music and cat statue that represents Copyrights intellectual property.

Copyright Basics

Learn about the basics of copyright
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