Patent Basics
- Patent Process OverviewA step-by-step overview of the patent application and maintenance process
- Fees and PaymentCurrent fee schedules. Also has payment procedures for patent and trademark applications and maintenance fees.
- Patent FAQsQuestions received and answered by the USPTO
Provisional Application for Patents
- Basics of Filing a Provisional ApplicationIntroduction, includes parts of a provisional application, filing requirements, forms, and fees.
- Provisional Application for PatentA provisional patent application allows you to file without a formal patent claim, oath or declaration, or any information disclosure (prior art) statement.
Brochures/Guides for Filing Patent Applications
- General Information about 35 U.S.C. 161 Plant PatentsThis publication provides a basic overview of plant patents
- Nonprovisional (Utility) Patent Application Filing GuideA Guide to Filing a Utility Patent Application
- Design Patent Application GuideA Guide To Filing A Design Patent Application
Additional Application Forms
Patent Electronic Business Center
The Electronic Business Center (EBC) assists patrons with the submission of their application and review of the patent application in Public and Private PAIR. Click HERE for further information.
Use "PAIR Bulk Data" to search and download large sets of data from publicly available patent applications.
Roster of Patent Attorneys and Agents
The USPTO maintains a roster of patent agents and attorneys who are authorized to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. You may use their database (search or download) to obtain the most current information on practitioners in your city, county or zip code.
- Patent Practitioner Home PageThe USPTO's searchable roster of registered patent agents and attorneys. Also has practitioner disciplinary history and information on becoming a practitioner.
Inventor's Assistance Center
The Inventors Assistance Center (IAC) answers questions concerning patent examining policy and procedure by former Supervisory Patent Examiners and experienced Primary Examiners.
How to Contact the IAC
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (ET), except federal holidays
- Toll-free: 800-PTO-9199 (800-786-9199)
- Local: 571-272-1000
- TDD/TTY customers can dial 800-877-8339 for customer assistance
USPTO Home Page
If you need to browse the different resources for the USPTO, CLICK HERE