Patent Assistance

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers several free resources to assist inventors and applicants navigate the patent process.

Harris & Ewing, photographer. *Int. Patent Office.* Between 1910 and 1920. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

We encourage you to visit the USPTO's website to learn about more about these and other services that may be available to you. Below, please find a listing of some helpful websites:

USPTO Patent Contacts
Contact information for USPTO resources for all stages of the patent process, including the Patent Electronic Business Center, PCT Help Desk, Inventor's Assistance Center, and more.
Finding a Registered Patent Practitioner
A register of active patent practitioners who are eligible to represent others before the USPTO.
Patent Pro Bono Program
A network of independently operated regional programs that matches volunteer patent attorneys and agents with inventors and small businesses to provide free legal assistance in securing patent protection based on financial eligibility.
Pro Se Assistance Program
Provides outreach and education to applicants who file patent applications without the assistance of a registered patent attorney or agent.
PTAB Pro Bono Program External
Matches qualifying applicants with volunteer patent professionals to provide free legal assistance for ex parte appeals (of final rejections by patent examiners). The program is administered by the PTAB Bar Association.
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRC)
A network of academic, public, and state libraries that provide various trademark and patent assistance.
Patent Events
Provides regularly scheduled webinars and trainings on a variety of patent topics.

Patent Law: A Beginner's Guide

Patent Assistance