USPTO

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harry F. Manbeck, Jr., a prominent U.S. patent attorney who served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce of the United States and Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks from 1990 to 1992. During his career at the USPTO, Mr. Manbeck demonstrated unwavering commitment to innovation and intellectual property rights. As Commissioner, he spearheaded reform of the USPTO's duty of disclosure rules, and he represented the U.S. in international patent law harmonization negotiations in Europe and with other countries. He also had the distinguished honor of granting the 5 millionth patent. His extensive experience in the private sector provided invaluable insights that he brought to his leadership at the USPTO. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to the advancement and protection of intellectual property.

Welcome Secretary Lutnick! We look forward to your leadership and vision at the U.S. Department of Commerce. View his swearing-in ceremony here: https://lnkd.in/e6TX8ApM

David Gooder, Commissioner for Trademarks, will conclude his five-year term with the USPTO on February 28, 2025. Dan Vavonese, Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Operations, will serve as Acting Commissioner for Trademarks until a permanent replacement is selected. Vavonese brings over 29 years of experience in trademark operations and championed numerous initiatives to streamline and improve efficiency in examination. Some of the notable accomplishments under Commissioner Gooder’s leadership include retiring the 40-year-old trademarks IT system, reducing first action pendency which had surged over the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanding the USPTO’s anti-fraud activities. We thank him for his dedicated service to the trademark community and America's brand owners. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ibuLgZ

If you don’t record your trademark registration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the ability to seize counterfeit items that can damage your company’s reputation become cumbersome.     Counterfeit products most often come from China, Hong Kong, and India. Vigilant field operations officers from the CBP inspect packages at ports of entry and may contact trademark owners to confirm proper use on goods.  They have authority to seize and dispose of goods that violate federal trademark registration.     Last year, CBP officers seized 32.2 million goods totaling about $5.4 billion – if they had been authentic. Counterfeit goods threaten our innovation ecosystem by diverting money from legitimate businesses and hardworking Americans.     So, how do you record your trademark registration with CBP to protect your brand?     1. Register your trademark with the USPTO 2. Apply for CBP’s Intellectual Property Rights Recordation system. You’ll need to upload a copy of your trademark registration certificate and an image of your trademark being used in commerce. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee.     Check out our free resources to help you record your trademark registration with CBP: https://bit.ly/40VVt5G

It’s National Trading Card Day, and in addition to your sports and game trading cards, we suggest checking out our inventor trading cards! 🎴 Launched in 2012 at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, our cards feature caricatures of historic and modern inventors and are designed to spotlight patent holders throughout American history and inspire future generations. From Marian Croak to Forrest Bird, our 30+ cards recognize Americans who have made advances in genetics, agriculture, communication, transportation, computer science, chemistry, and many more fields. 🤩 See the featured inventors, learn about their innovations, and be inspired: https://bit.ly/3i4pbTM #NationalTradingCardDay

We’re on a mission to help you avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes on your patent application.     Incorrect drawing formats and data sheets that are missing signatures are among the common mistakes inventors make on their patent applications. Swipe for tips to avoid these mistakes and secure your patent faster and more efficiently. What’s your advice for innovators filing for their first patent? 

Innovation isn't just for humans — it's for pampered pets, too! 🐾 This National Love Your Pet Day, check out these patented inventions that were designed for pets and their owners. Whether it's for health, convenience, or comfort, intellectual property protects creativity in all areas of life — even pet care.

Blow out the candle – our alumni association is one year old! 🎂 Formed to help members expand professional networks, learn about recent initiatives and upcoming social events, and share knowledge, our alumni association has grown to hundreds of members. We’d love to have you join us! If you are a former USPTO team member or retiree, request to join our LinkedIn group: https://bit.ly/3HvdkHU.

Trailblazer Anthony Bowen had a long career at the Patent Office. Hired as a laborer, Bowen eventually worked his way up to a position as a clerk, even though he never received formal schooling. Born into slavery in Maryland in 1809, Bowen was able to purchase his freedom. A civic leader, he is well-known for founding the first YMCA for Black Americans in Washington, D.C., and he was actively involved in the Underground Railroad and ensuring education opportunities in his community. #BlackHistoryMonth #TeamUSPTO

Howard Lutnick has been confirmed by the Senate as the nation’s 42nd Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce. We look forward to working with him to protect and strengthen the intellectual property system in the United States. Secretary Lutnick has first-hand knowledge of the patent system as a named inventor on hundreds of U.S. patents. He joins a small group of other Secretaries of Commerce who held patents, including Robert Lamont. A civil engineer, Lamont held several patents in the fields of railway transportation and infrastructure development. While serving under President Herbert Hoover’s administration, Lamont oversaw the move of the Patent Office to the then-new Department of Commerce building in Washington, D.C. Other past Secretaries of Commerce with patents include Frederick Mueller, who was granted U.S. patent no. 2,333,073 for a chair in 1943, and Peter Peterson, who received U.S. patent no. 3,601,555 for “information replay methods and apparatus” in 1971.