Commerce Department - Patent And Trademark Office

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) awards PATENTS, which give inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, and registers TRADEMARKS, which provide businesses and organizations with rights to symbols and other features that distinguish their products or services. The PTO issues three types of patents: design patents, plant patents, and utility patents. A patent is valid for 20 years from the date when the application was filed. The PTO also participates in legal proceedings involving patents or trademarks; advocates for strengthening INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY protection worldwide; and maintains a roster of qualified patent agents and attorneys.