USPTO

Happy Star Wars Day! May the Force of IP be with you. From R2-D2 and Admiral Ackbar to Darth Vader and Stormtroopers, @Lucasfilm owns numerous patents and registered trademarks that are based on the inhabitants of his galaxy far, far away.

Trademark Center has new filing options! Now you can update contact info, update attorney representation, and submit certain maintenance and renewal forms. Start here: trademarkcenter.uspto.gov #trademarks #SmallBiz #USPTO

USPTO Director John A. Squires delivered a rousing keynote address this morning at the INTA Annual Meeting in London. The Director regaled attendees with how America’s Branding Agency is stepping up to meet the moment. Read his as-delivered remarks here: bit.ly/4f1XaHP

AI + Trademark Center = less guesswork, more progress. Generate mark descriptions with our AI assistant and take the guesswork out of what to include in your application. Start here: trademarkcenter.uspto.gov #trademarks #SmallBiz #USPTO

The USPTO has issued its latest memorandum entitled “Best Practices for Submission of Rule 132 Subject Matter Eligibility Declarations (SMEDs).” Learn more: bit.ly/4d0dLcE

On this day in 1812, Louisiana became the 18th state—and ever since, it’s been serving up innovation that runs as deep as its cultural roots. Take a look at just a few of the state’s IP ties, proving that innovation is always on the menu.

On April 20, the USPTO held the second of a three-part PTAB listening series, this one focused on the high-tech sector. The last session on PTAB admin and reform will be on May 18. Register on our Events page: bit.ly/4tGqckO and send any questions to OUSEvents@uspto.gov.

OTD in 1884, Josiah H. L. Tuck was granted U.S. Pat. No. 297,647 for a “submarine vessel”—an early dive into underwater innovation. Long before “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” inventors like Tuck were already imagining life beneath the waves. 🌊

In celebration of #WorldIPDay, we’re drafting the ultimate IP Starting Lineup. Patents power innovation, trademarks protect brands & NIL, trade secrets keep teams competitive, and copyright fuels creativity. IP is the real MVP driving sports on and off the field.

Innovation was in full swing at USPTO’s Take Our Kids to Work Day 2026! We welcomed future creators and IP champions for hands-on STEM fun, IP basics, and a look at innovation in sports—just in time for #WorldIPDay. The future of innovation is bright. 💡 @WIPO @InventorsHOF

Join us this Wednesday on April 29 at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate World Intellectual Property (IP) Day and its theme for 2026: IP and Sports. Learn more about this year's event and register here: bit.ly/3OMID8c

The NFL Draft® was the kickoff, and at the USPTO, it’s first-and-ten now for your personal brand. We're here to help. Authenticity: The Name of the Game. USPTO.gov/NIL #AmericasBrandingAgency #NFLDraft2026 #ProtectYourBrand #NIL #TrademarkBasics

Day 3 at the NFL Draft®! Today is our last day. Come see us at the SportsWorks building. When your profile rises, the risk of misuse rises – protect yourself. America’s Branding Agency is here to help. Authenticity: The Name of the Game. USPTO.gov/NIL

On April 22, Deputy Director Coke Morgan Stewart gave remarks at the Georgetown University Research & Innovation Showcase. She explained that U.S. universities promote innovation.

Thank you to everyone who joined the special USPTO Hour live from the NFL Draft®. Director John A. Squires, Jack Wallace, Reggie Calhoun Jr., Chelsea Miko, and John F. Duffy brought incredible perspectives on protecting your brand in the NIL era. USPTO.gov/NIL

Celebrate World IP Day! Day 2 of the NFL Draft® and Director John A. Squires is kicking off a special USPTO Hour, Authenticity: The Name of the Game, with Jack Wallace, Reggie Calhoun Jr., Chelsea Miko, and John F. Duffy. Game on! bit.ly/3QGvlL3

Lights, camera...popcorn (and patents)! 🍿 James D. Watkins helped transform how we enjoy this classic snack with U.S. Patent No. 4,450,180 for a specially- designed package that maximizes popping efficiency using microwave energy. TGFI (Thank Goodness for Invention)!

We’ve reached a new production milestone! It was a record-setting month in March for Trademarks first action output as filings rise and inventory declines. Read more here: bit.ly/4cs2P8C

It's day 1 of the NFL Draft® in Pittsburgh! The USPTO booth is open at SportsWorks. When your profile rises, the risk of misuse rises with it. Protect yourself. America's Branding Agency is here to help. Authenticity: The Name of the Game. USPTO.gov/NIL

Sports are truly “teaming” with IP! For #WorldIPDay 2026, the @USPTO, @WIPO, and other organizations are celebrating the role that IP plays in shaping how sporting events are played, experienced, and shared. Learn more at: bit.ly/4mF9jUS