The U.S. Patent & Trademark Organization’s Office of Innovation Development has launched a brand new Patent Virtual Assistance Program that will be hosted by the Chester F. Carlson Patent & Trademark Center at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County. This service is FREE and open to all inventors. The Carlson Center is the sixth Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) to be selected to participate. A PTRC is part of a nationwide network of public, state, and academic libraries designated by the USPTO to support the public with trademark and patent assistance. The Central Library is one of five of such centers in New York State.
The purpose of the program is to offer one-on-one virtual assistance with patent examiners via videoconferencing. This service is available to individuals who have questions about the patent application process, or would like to present a draft of their patent application for a cursory review, and more. The purpose of this service is to provide education and assistance with the patent application process. Patent examiners cannot make patentability determinations prior to an application being filed.
“This is an amazing service to offer inventors in the Rochester area,” said Jennifer Byrnes, director of the Carlson Center. “The patent filing system is inherently challenging, and this service will make protecting your intellectual property a little bit easier.”
Virtual service is available Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12pm and 1pm-3pm. To make an appointment please contact the Carlson Center at carlsonptrc@libraryweb.org or 428-8110.
