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US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) Customer FAQ

Top Answers & How-to Guides

What is US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO)'s Phone Number?

The question we are asked most often is about how to talk to US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) customer service. Click here for contact information, email and chat options, getting a live person, wait times and more.
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Recent US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) Customer Questions

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Patents

What is a patent?

A patent is a government-granted exclusive right allowing an inventor to control their invention for a set period, generally...

What are the requirements for patentability?

To qualify for a patent, an invention must be novel, non-obvious, useful, and properly disclosed in the application. It must...

How long does it take to obtain a patent?

The duration to secure a patent can vary widely, typically taking from several months up to a few years, primarily one to three...

What is the cost of filing a patent application?

The filing costs for a patent application with the USPTO can differ widely based on application type and the entity size....

Can I file a provisional patent application?

Individuals or entities can file a provisional patent application with the USPTO to establish an early filing date without...

What is the patent examination process?

The patent examination process by the United States Patent and Trademark Office evaluates whether a patent application is...

Can I file a patent for software or business methods?

Yes, patents can be obtained for software and business methods in the U.S. if specific criteria are met. They must demonstrate...

What types of patents are available?

The US Patent and Trademark Office issues three main patent types: utility patents for inventions and processes, design patents...

Application Process

Can I file a patent application online?

Yes, applicants can electronically file patent applications using the Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web) provided by the United...

How can I search for existing patents?

To search for existing patents, the United States Patent and Trademark Office offers various online tools, including systems...

Trademarks

What is a trademark?

A trademark is a unique identifier, such as a logo or name, that distinguishes a business's goods or services. Registering it...

What is the difference between a patent and a trademark?

Patents and trademarks differ fundamentally in intellectual property; patents provide inventors exclusive rights for their...
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