USPTO

The USPTO is launching “Class ACT” (Classification Agentic Codification Tool), a first-of-its-kind AI agent that helps tackle classification, one of the most time-intensive steps in trademark processing. From months to minutes, trademark classification just got a big upgrade.

Coke Morgan Stewart, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO, provided the keynote remarks at the 2026 PTAB Bar Association Annual Conference, discussing the reasons for changes at the Patent and Trial Appeal Board.

Athlete inventors like Marietta Lindeberg helped women participate in organized sporting events. Her patented garment could be used either as a gymnasium or bathing suit.

This morning, Robert Hayes, Acting Chief AI Officer and Acting Chief Data Officer of the USPTO, deliver a keynote address at the Potomac Officers Club at their AI Summit about how AI is shaping the future of the USPTO across data, infrastructure, workforce, and mission delivery.

What were you like in the 1990s? These scrapbook pages, including some signatures from inventors and dignitaries, capture the moments when those milestone patens were celebrated at the USPTO. Innovation evolves with every era. What do you remember about technology in the ‘90s?

Innovation is always in play – even during #MarchMadness. 🏀 In 1929, George L. Pierce patented a basketball (U.S. Patent 1,718,305). In 1936, Alvie E. Sandeberg patented improvements to the basketball hoop (U.S. Patent 2,053,635). Innovation is part of the starting lineup.

“Navigating the IP legal landscape in China,” a reference guide to intellectual property and related measures in #China, is now available on the USPTO website: uspto.gov/sites/default/…

The @USPTO has a new resource to help U.S. rights holders doing business in the People’s Republic of China. ⬇⬇️

Thinking about becoming a patent examiner at the USPTO? Join us tomorrow, March 18, from noon to 1 p.m. ET for our next USPTO Hour to learn more about new patent examiner hiring and recruitment efforts. Register for the webinar: bit.ly/4rAksHF

Born in Liscannor, Ireland in 1840, submarine inventor John Phillip Holland’s designs were adopted by the U.S. Navy in 1900. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Once again, the United States ranks first globally in the International IP Index. Speaking to U.S. Chamber, Director John A. Squires discussed what the latest global ranking tells us about the future of intellectual property. Read his full remarks here: bit.ly/3Nny6ji

Did you catch the #Oscars last night? The red carpet at the Academy Awards always delivers unforgettable looks. And some formalwear styles, like this sleek evening gown and tuxedo, can be protected by design patents. Who had your favorite look this year?

The 2026 #WinterParalympics have started! In 1975, U.S. Patent No. 3,868,122 introduced an auxiliary ski designed to use a pole-like shaft to help support athletes while sliding on the snow, walking uphill, or stabilizing themselves. Gold medal for innovation! 🥇

On this day in 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA. She secured a design patent for the iconic trefoil badge, which is also a registered trademark for a symbol that’s identified Girl Scouts for more than 100 years.

Women were bicycling, hiking, and even mountaineering more than 100 years ago! Inventors Alice Winthrop and Beatrice Bankart patented flexible garments to help women comfortably participate in these activities.

F1 season is back and innovation is off to a fast start. 🏁🏎 @Ferrari's and @lotuscars' design patents protect the sleek look of miniature race car models, while Leonardo Fioravanti's utility patent covers functional racing car innovations that reduce lift and boost traction.

Twist. Lick. Dunk. Innovate. @Oreo received a U.S. patent in 1987 for its whipped, aerated composition, carefully engineered by food scientist Sam Porcello to get that perfectly light texture. #NationalOreoDay

150 years ago, tomorrow, Alexander Graham Bell secured U.S. Patent No. 174,465 for the telephone. To celebrate, the USPTO unveiled the new Alexander Graham Bell inventor card at yesterday's special event, honoring Bell's impact on telecommunications.

Batter up, innovation fans! This #WorldBaseballClassic we’re celebrating innovation behind America’s pastime. ⚾ In 1908, U.S. Pat. 881,315 stepped up to the plate to the plate baseball glove design with simpler construction and added durability. It was even worn by Babe Ruth!

Last week, the USPTO welcomed our U.K. partners to America’s Innovation Agency and participated in the U.S. – U.K. IP Working Group at the Chamber of Commerce—a bi-annual, industry-led forum hosted with the BritishAmerican Business.