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:
    Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,
    P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450

  • Phone the USPTO Contact Center (UCC) at:
    800-786-9199 (toll-free) | 571 272-1000 (local) | 800-877-8339 (TTY)
    The UCC provides general information and documents pertaining to patents.

  • See also the Inventor's Assistance Center at: http://www.uspto.gov/inventors/iac/

     

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