Patents and Trademarks

Milwaukee Public Library is a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). PTRCs are libraries designated to disseminate patent and trademark information and to support the diverse intellectual property needs of the public. Milwaukee Public Library has a comprehensive patent collection and provides monthly patent searching programs.

Find information on the patent application process, inventor resources, trademark information, and much more with the recommended resources below. To get started click on the appropriate topic below. Not finding what you're looking for? Contact our Business & Technology Department at (414) 286-4105.

                   Patents                                          Trademarks

Patents

What is a patent?

A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Generally, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States or, in special cases, from the date an earlier related application was filed, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. U.S. patent grants are effective only within the United States, U.S. territories, and U.S. possessions. – U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

US Patent and Trademark Office: The official site for the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

7-Step U.S. Patent Search Strategy: A brief overview on conducting a patent search on the Patent Office’s website

Patent Fee Schedule: Application, filing and other related fees with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 

America Invents Act: Information on the patent form bill, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), recently passed by Congress.

World Intellectual Property Office: (WIPO) Provides information for inventors seeking foreign patent protection.

Inventors Assistance Center: Staffed by former patent examiners, the IAC offers patent information and services to the public. The IAC can: answer general questions regarding patent examining policy, assist you with filling out forms and provide you with general information concerning rules, procedures, and fees.
​ ​

Trademarks

What is a trademark?

A trademark is a brand name.  A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services. –U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Trademark Basics: Just getting started with trademarks? Visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademarks page for basic facts, FAQs and instructional videos.

Trademark Fee Schedule: A complete listing of application and filing fees with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Conducting a Trademark Search: Step-by-step instructions for searching registered federal trademarks on the Trademark Office’s website.