Official account of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Leading the nation and the world in intellectual property protection and policy.

Joined August 2008
7,147 Photos and videos
Jun 12
On this day in 1928, Good & Plenty – one of the oldest branded candies in the U.S. – received a registered trademark. Created by the Quaker City Chocolate and Confectionery Company in 1893, they are known for their distinct pink-and-white candy shells and black licorice center.
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Jun 11
Join us for “America250: Mission – Innovation: Veterans and Military Spouses – How to apply, get hired, and thrive at the USPTO.” It’s a live virtual event! 📣 📅 June 25, 2026 ⏰ 3 – 4 p.m. ET 🔗 Register: bit.ly/4dMI5rw
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Jun 10
You’ve got mail–and it’s protected by a patent. On this day in 1902, Americus Callahan received Patent No. 701,839 for an envelope featuring a transparent window. Instead of addressing both letter and envelope by hand, the recipient’s address could be viewed through the window.
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Jun 9
We’re hiring an Attorney Advisor in the USPTO’s Office of General Law. If you’re ready to work on challenging legal issues, collaborate with a talented and collegial team, and support the mission of America’s Innovation Agency, apply by June 18: bit.ly/4fsP7Eq
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Jun 9
Have an NIL deal? You might already have a common law trademark. Unlock extra benefits with a federal trademark registration: ✅ Strengthens deals ✅ Helps stop copycats ✅ Makes enforcement easier ✅ Adds value to your brand Go beyond common law—uspto.gov/NIL
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Jun 8
What does a day in the life of a USPTO patent examiner really look like? Join our webinar for behind-the-scenes insights about how patent examiners review applications, work with emerging technologies, and protect innovation. Join us June 9, 1 p.m. ET: bit.ly/4ulWRwk
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Jun 8
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. Before robot vacuums zipped around our living rooms, inventor Ives W. McGaffey received U.S. Patent No. 91,145 for an “Improved Sweeping-Machine” on this day in1869. It was one of the earliest vacuum cleaners in the United States.
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Jun 5
From breakthrough discoveries to real-world, economic impact, innovation depends on inventors. At #NAI2026, USPTO Director John A. Squires recognized the newest NAI Senior Members and Fellows and shared how IP and innovation fuel America's future. #USPTO @AcadofInventors
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Jun 5
If your weekend plans often involve pizza and pajamas, you’ve probably spotted the tiny plastic “table” inside a pizza box. That’s patented innovation at work! Carmela Vitale received U.S. Pat. 4,498,586 for the “Package Saver” — protecting the pizza box top from collapsing.
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Jun 4
USPTO Director John A. Squires joined leaders from academia, industry, and government at the @AcadofInventors 15th Annual Conference to discuss how stronger partnerships can translate research into solutions that strengthen innovation and discovery.
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Jun 3
Goal! 🏒 On this day in 1969, the @NYRangers scored a trademark win by registering their shield logo with the USPTO, helping protect their brand on and off the ice. @NHL #Trademark #Hockey #USPTO
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Jun 2
SPARKing participation... SPARKing innovation... SPARKing American leadership in standards development. Read more on the USPTO’s official launch of the Standards Participation and Representation Kudos (SPARK) pilot program: bit.ly/3PC7V9N
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Jun 2
Per the @FTC, fake trademark “experts” cost business owners over $1 million in 2 years. Verify you’re working with a U.S.-licensed attorney when filing with the USPTO. Consult @ABAesq for the attorney referral service of a state or local bar association: bit.ly/4tZOPsa
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Jun 1
William Thornton, the first superintendent of the Patent Office, was appointed #OTD in 1802. Thornton held this position for 26 years and had a profound influence on the early development of the agency.
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May 29
Last week, the USPTO Military Association (UMA) observed the 13th annual Day of Remembrance honoring Memorial Day. They led the “Walk of Remembrance”, beginning at the USPTO Headquarters and culminating at the National Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.
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May 29
From the vibrant Ajuga plant ‘ABFG0413A’ (PP33,969) to the lavender-blue blooms of Baptisia ‘Starlite’ (PP19,971), plant patents help protect innovative new varieties that brighten gardens each spring.🌼
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May 27
On May 12, IP attorneys from USPTO’s Office of Policy and International Affairs conducted a mock negotiation on a theoretical international treaty on AI and copyright. The exercise will help future, real-life negotiations that are crucial to protecting U.S. interests.
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May 27
We’ve made huge progress in Trademarks! Initial application review time decreased by 20% in the first half of FY 2026! This means faster updates on your trademark application and a smoother registration process from start to finish.
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May 26
Through Labor Day, the USPTO will celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial by flying the Freedom 250 Flag outside of our Alexandria, VA headquarters. We are overjoyed to celebrate 250 years as a nation, and the fundamental role innovation has played in since the country’s founding!
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May 26
Join us tomorrow on Wednesday, May 27, from noon to 1 p.m. ET for our next USPTO Hour. We’ll hear from members of the Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks about efforts to prevent and detect fraud – including new anti-fraud technology: bit.ly/3S3uUer
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