U.S. Patent and Trademark Office


12 Strange and Amazing Patents

How far will the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office go? We've rounded up some of the silliest, most inventive, and ludicrous patent applications in U.S. history.

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Recent Articles about U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

How to File for a Patent

This step-by-step guide describes the legal process of filing for a patent.  Read more

How to File a Trademark

Protecting your business logo from creative theft is a crucial part of growing your brand. Here's how to file a trademark with the United States Federal Gove...  Read more

Tips for Inventors

Nov. 15, 2006 -- Senior officials of the United States Patent and Trademark Office will be available online tomorrow at 2 p.m. (EST) to a...  Read more

Owners Urged To Seek Patents

September 6, 2005 --Already swamped by applications, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has launched an outreach program to encourage mo...  Read more

The End of Stealth Mode for Patents

It will become harder for companies with new inventions to remain in "stealth mode," thanks to a major change in patent law that was scheduled to take eff...  Read more

How Federal Trademark Registration Works

It is possible to register certain types of trademarks and service marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). Federal registration puts the re...  Read more

Qualifying for a Patent

A patent is a document issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) that grants a monopoly for a limited period of time on the manufacture, use an...  Read more

How To Follow The Leader

There's nothing wrong with copying your competitors' good ideas -- provided you play by the rules  Read more

How Arbitration Can Cool Patent Disputes

A patent sometimes isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Instead of protecting against competitors, it may result in costly court fights as a company su...  Read more

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)

Related Terms: Inventions and Patents Read more

Higher Patent Fees Irk Small Inventors

The Reagan Administration's continuing effort to trim the federal budget has struck a raw nerve with American inventors. To pay for its overhead costs, t...  Read more

Patently Unsafe: Inventors Beware

A look at what is being done to stop unscrupulous "invention-marketing firms" from preying on victims.  Read more

Inventions and Patents

Related Terms: Copyright ; Read more

Can You Get a Patent without a Lawyer?

You have an invention -- something that would fill a need and make life easier. It might even make you some money, if you could get the exclusive right to...  Read more

Ask Inc.

Promoting employees; when two companies have the same name.  Read more

Obtaining Your Own Patent Should Be Easy

Many of us muse about the million-dollar idea: the invention that will make life easier for others and more lucrative for us. Most of these ideas never ge...  Read more

Patent Searching Online

Everyone knows that Americans are natural-born inventors. We love to devise new ways to get things done, whether it be cutting the lawn, opening a jar or ...  Read more

Trademarks

Related Terms: Brands and Brand Names ; ...  Read more

A Primer on Patents

Qualifying for a Patent A patent is a document issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) that grants a monopoly for a l...  Read more

Ask Inc.

Divorcing a partner; keeping the secret sauce safe.  Read more

CEO's Notebook

Read short, practical articles about topics such as insurance for your e-business, a major change in patent law, and what to do if your flight is canceled.  Read more

Name Your Web Business

You've snagged a great domain name and now you're ready to incorporate. All you need to do is add "Inc." to the end of your domain name, right? ...  Read more

Patents: An Idea Whose Time Has Gone?

The increasing popularity of patents is, ironically, diminishing their value to small businesses.  Read more

Name Your Web Business

You've snagged a great domain name and now you're ready to incorporate. All you need to do is add "Inc." to the end of your domain name, right? ...  Read more

Hoyle Schweitzer's Decade Of Discontent

When Windsurfing's president discovered that his product had already been invented, he applied for a new patent. But 20 competitors are betting it can't be e...  Read more

Five Ways To Protect Your Ideas

These legal tools can keep you safe from marketplace predators.  Read more

What Happened to Your Patent Application?

It's probably just sitting at the U.S. Patent Office, admits the office's director. Meanwhile, there are bills for patent reform on Capitol Hill -- and plans...  Read more

Ask Inc.

Offshored patent violations; making on-demand work for you.  Read more

How-to Save on Marketing Your Invention

You might be seeing dollar signs as you envision your invention heading to market. What you likely aren't thinking is just how costly the process can be.<...  Read more

House Rules

Don't assume your home-based business is exempt from taxes and labor laws -- even if you hire your teenager. Working at home soun...  Read more

Patent Harmonization: Bad News for Inventors?

Proposed changes in patent system could harm small inventors.  Read more

Royalties

Related Terms: Licensing ; Read more

Online with Uncle Sam

Here are some Federal Web sites that can help you find important on-line information.  Read more

TrendWatch: U.S. Patent Reform

How could upcoming patent law changes impact your small business?  Watch video

Making Your Own Patent Drawings

You've invented something wonderful. You've prepared rough sketches and the written part of thepatent application yourself, saving thousands of dollars by...  Read more

Business Name

A business name is any name, other than that of the owner, under which a company conducts business. One of the first decisions entrepreneurs must make whe...  Read more

How to Protect Your Trademark From Infringement

Keeping your trademark safe from infringement requires a consistent offense and a sturdy defense. Experts explain how to master both.  Read more

How to Find a Good Patent Lawyer

Your great idea needs protection. Here's a guide to searching for a reputed and effective patent lawyer.  Read more

Doing Away With a Bumbling Barrister

Q: Can I fire the lawyer who filed my patent application for me and have the patent office recognize me or some other lawyer as the perso...  Read more

Small Cities Innovate, Too

August 4, 2005 --Highly populated cities aren't the only areas that foster innovation, according to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of...  Read more