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October 2023

Greetings from Director Vidal

Dear inventors,

As America’s Innovation Agency, it’s imperative that we constantly work to improve our tools and resources to better serve you, our inventors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. As we start the new fiscal year, that commitment continues: 

• We recently announced several improved search and application tools, including our new cloud-based trademark search system, an updated Patent Center, and an enhanced website search tool.
• We’ve integrated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into our next-generation tools to enhance the quality and efficiency of patent and trademark examination.
• We’ve expanded our efforts to bring more people into the innovation ecosystem by empowering women entrepreneurs, along with military veterans and their families. We want to ensure that all entrepreneurs have access to the funding and resources they need to develop, commercialize, and protect their ideas and businesses. 

You can read more about these improvements in this month’s newsletter. I encourage you to take full advantage of the services, resources, and support we offer. We are committed to doing whatever we can to help you succeed. 

Sincerely,

Kathi Vidal
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO

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USPTO services highlight

Help us encourage and empower women founders across America: Join the Women’s Entrepreneurship (WE) community 

Join our efforts to inspire women entrepreneurs! Our Womens Entrepreneurship (WE) initiative offers resources and monthly events to help you fund your startup, protect your business, and expand your network. Visit the WE webpage to access these resources and register for upcoming events: 

• October 18: Women entrepreneurs: Protect and promote your brand: Learn to protect and promote the things that distinguish you and your business from your competitors.  
• November 17: WE is coming to New Orleans. Register today and stay tuned for more details to come soon. 

Improved search and application tools strengthen our service to you 

We’ve upgraded several of our search and application tools to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for and get the intellectual property protection you need: 

• Our new cloud-based trademark search system makes searching for trademark registrations and applications easier. It will replace our current system (Trademark Electronic Search System, or TESS) later this year. Learn more about this change in the latest Director’s Blog. 
• Patent Center provides improved system performance and a more intuitive user interface. It will fully replace the EFS-Web system and the Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (Private PAIR) tool beginning November 8, 2023. Learn more about Patent Center’s new features. 
  • Find out how to make a smooth transition to Patent Center with these upcoming trainings.  
• We launched an updated website search tool that introduces new features, functionality, and customization. Learn how you can get more control over your search results and find the information you need. 

AI and Trademarks: Get the latest from USPTO leadership with the Director’s Blog 

• Latest updates on artificial intelligence and intellectual property: read how we are taking a human-first approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our tools and processes.
• How the domicile address requirement advances our trademark anti-fraud efforts: learn more about what the trademark domicile address requirement is, why it’s so important, and what you can do to help. 
• Subscribe to receive the latest Director’s Blog via email. 

Get involved at USPTO

Help U.S. innovation measure up: Give your input on areas where standards-setting and IP issues meet 

We want to hear your feedback on issues at the intersection of standard-setting and intellectual property (IP). Give us your thoughts on how the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the International Trade Association (ITA), and the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) can support efforts to set and implement standards for critical and emerging technologies. See the request for comments for more information, including how to submit your comments by November 6. 

Got a mind for planning? Share your best ideas for how to implement the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technologies with NIST: view their request for comments for more details and submit your comments by November 6.

Learn about government resources to protect your IP 

Looking for reliable directions to jumpstart your journey as an entrepreneur? Join our upcoming Patent Pro Bono Program: Pathways to inclusive innovation event on October 11 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. ET to learn more about succeeding in business, identifying and protecting your intellectual property (IP), securing funding, and expanding your networks. Register to attend virtually or in person at USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.   

Join the China IP Road Show in San Diego 

San Diego business owners, fill your toolboxes with strategies to protect your intellectual property (IP) in China. Join government experts, IP attorneys, and local business owners on October 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT to get the latest information on IP developments in China and learn more about resources available to you. Visit the event page to register for this in-person event. 

Deadline extended: Give your feedback on issues related to AI and copyright 

The U.S. Copyright Office needs your comments on issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. Your input will inform a study of the copyright law and policy issues raised by generative AI and help assess whether legislative or regulatory steps are warranted. Visit the Copyright Office webpage for more information, and be sure to submit your written comments by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 30. Reply comments are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 29. 

Find all upcoming and past events at https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events.

Need resources to bring your ideas to market?

Hispanic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program offers inspiration and information 

Join us on October 12 from 2-3:45 p.m. ET to get tips from Hispanic American inventor Katila Avila and her mentor, Antonio Gamboa, on how you can develop and protect your impactful idea. You’ll also hear about tools and resources that can help you further your innovation. Check out the agenda and register today.

PTRCs: Librarian experts with search tool know-how  

What’s a PTRC? Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are there for you, with in-person support to find the information you need to protect your intellectual property. PTRC library staff are search tool experts who can show you how to access patent and trademark information and resources. Find the PTRC closest to you. 

P.S. Stay up to date with the latest news for inventors and entrepreneurs! Sign up to receive each issue of this newsletter.