USPTO

It’s #FlashbackFriday and we’re throwing it back to a true work of art! One year ago, members of our Office of the Chief Administrative Office painted a mural as part of a team building event. Embracing the importance of communication, colleagues worked together to create, paint, and assemble pieces of the mural. Today, the mural hangs proudly in the hallways of the Jefferson Building on the Alexandria campus. #TeamUSPTO

We’re not sure if the inspiration was Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Arkansas’s town of Norman, or Norman “Green Goblin” Osborn, but we’re berry excited to shine a light on a plant patent for the Norman blueberry this month. ‘Norman,’ was invented from seedlings grown and shipped to Fayetteville, Arkansas in late winter of 1986. The seedlings fruited in the summer of 1989 and one seedling – eventually named Norman – was selected for its high fruit quality including excellent picking scar, color, firmness and flavor, along with excellent plant health and vigor. The patent was issued to University of Arkansas and USDA. Since 1974, July has been “National Blueberry Month,” celebrating the little blue fruits that have been nourishing people and contributing to the economy for decades. Blueberries are among the 295 subclasses of plant patents we’ve issued since 1930. Patenting innovative plant species is our jam.

In our latest blog, hear about Major Kayley Squire’s experience during her Air Force fellowship as a senior military advisor at the USPTO and how she contributed to the agency's efforts to reach the military community with entrepreneurial resources. https://bit.ly/4bRhiHF

This week, more than 200 attendees from 93 veteran service organizations, federal agencies and divisions attended the Military-Civilian Transition Summit 7.0 at our Alexandria headquarters. The collaborative forum for interagency leaders in military transition assistance tackled policies and programs to support the military community as they transition from active service to civilian careers. The summit theme, “Transitioning Heroes into Thriving Civilians,” expresses our agency’s perspective as well. Eastern Regional Outreach Office Director Elizabeth Dougherty presented on entrepreneurship resources for the military community, and members of her team spoke with attendees about agency programs and initiatives as well as career options at our agency. We’re committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting these veterans and military spouses. Learn more about our veteran hiring program: https://lnkd.in/eQnSdpJs #Veterans #MilitaryTransition

Are you new to the invention process? If so, join our experts for a webinar focused on your elevator pitch and plan. We’ll dive into how to craft a concise message, what companies expect to see from inventors, how to determine which companies to approach and the odds of licensing for success. 🗓️ July 24 🕑 11 a.m. 💻 Register: https://bit.ly/3RZqt1s

Thomas Edison received several patents related to dynamo-electric generators, including one granted #OTD in 1883. The machine converted mechanical energy into electrical power, a significant advancement in producing electricity on a mass scale. After refining his invention in his Menlo Park, New Jersey laboratory, Edison put the dynamo into practical use. In 1882, he opened Pearl Street Station in New York City. As Edison’s first commercial power plant, Pearl Street Station ran on the energy from six dynamos, and his customer base quickly expanded. This kicked off an era of electrifying cities across the world. A prolific inventor, Edison held more than 1,000 patents in his lifetime. Of those, more than 400 were related to electric light and power.

Cheers to unique teambuilding and bonding experiences! 🍻 Raleigh-based examiners had a chance to meet with Deputy Director Derrick Brent during a special after hours meet and greet at Crank Arm Brewing Company last month. The event was a chance to bring together remote workers based in central North Carolina for camaraderie, while also getting time to chat with the deputy director about sports, summer vacation and favorite spots around the state. Staying connected while working remotely is part of our agency culture and just one of many reasons to choose us. Learn about our benefits: https://bit.ly/3yj8yXy

What’s the best way to save time and money before applying to register your trademark? Comprehensive clearance searching. Join our experts to learn how to search the USPTO‘s database of federally registered trademarks as part of your research.      🗓️ July 23 🕑 2 p.m. 💻 Register: https://bit.ly/3VVWskk

We need to hear from you! Register by 8 p.m. ET on July 19 to speak at our upcoming listening session on the impact of the proliferation of AI on prior art and a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA). We have space available for virtual and in-person speakers and attendees, but in-person space is limited. The listening session is July 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET virtually and in person at the USPTO headquarters, and will include an overview of the request for comments. Register and learn more on our event page: https://bit.ly/3L5zKBg

🗣️ Big news! We’ve issued AI subject matter eligibility guidance, including helpful examples. The guidance update delivers on the USPTO’s obligations under the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence to provide guidance to examiners and the public on the impact of AI and issues at the intersection of AI and IP, including patent subject matter eligibility. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cFlpI4