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.
Additional topics
- Commerce Department - Technology Administration
- Commerce Department - National Telecommunications And Information Administration
- Other Free Encyclopedias
Law Library - American Law and Legal InformationFree Legal Encyclopedia: Coagulation to Companies HouseCommerce Department - Economics And Statistics Administration, Bureau Of Export Administration, Economic Development Administration, International Trade Administration - Minority Business Development Agency