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About the USPTO

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the agency responsible for administering the patent laws as they relate to the granting of patents for inventions. The USPTO is also responsible for performing a variety of duties relating to patents.

The USPTO was established as a distinct governmental bureau in 1802. The USPTO is now part of the Commerce Department.

The URL for the USPTO is http://www.uspto.gov

The general mailing address for the USPTO is: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS, P.O. Box 1450; Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
Phone the USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at 800 786-9199 or 703 308-4357. The UCC provides general information and documents pertaining to patents.