A concise summary of the technical disclosure in a patent application, limited to 150 words. It enables quick review of the subject matter by the USPTO and public.

A transfer of ownership of a patent or trademark application or registration from one party to another. Must be recorded with the USPTO Assignment Services Division.

The numbered statements at the end of a patent that define the scope of legal protection. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims refer back to and further limit another claim.

A second application for the same invention disclosed in a prior non-provisional application, filed before the first application issues or is abandoned. Claims priority to the earlier filing date.

An application that adds new matter not disclosed in the original application while claiming priority to the original filing date for commonly disclosed subject matter.

A separate application carved out of a pending application when the examiner issues a restriction requirement, claiming the same priority date as the original.

A visual representation of the invention. Patent applications require drawings where necessary for understanding the invention, following USPTO format standards.

The fee classification of an applicant: Large Entity (full fees), Small Entity (50% reduction, under 500 employees), or Micro Entity (75% reduction, meets income and filing limits).

A USPTO employee who reviews patent or trademark applications for compliance with legal requirements and determines whether a patent or registration should be granted.

The date a patent or trademark application is received by the USPTO. For patents, it establishes priority over later-filed applications for the same invention.

The identification of the specific goods and/or services associated with a trademark. Must be organized by international class and described in ordinary commercial language.

The Nice Classification system categorizes goods (Classes 1-34) and services (Classes 35-45). Each trademark must specify at least one class.

A filing basis under Section 1(b) where the applicant has not yet used the mark in commerce but has a bona fide intention to do so. Requires a Statement of Use before registration.

The primary federal trademark statute (15 U.S.C. §§ 1051-1141n) governing trademark registration, protection, and enforcement in the United States.

Fees required to keep a utility patent in force: due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after issuance. Design and plant patents do not require maintenance fees.

A formal patent application examined by the USPTO that can mature into a granted patent. Must be filed within 12 months of a corresponding provisional application to claim priority.

A USPTO notice indicating that a trademark application (filed under 1(b) intent-to-use) has been approved for registration, pending submission of a Statement of Use.

A written communication from a USPTO examiner regarding a pending application. May include objections, rejections, or requirements that the applicant must address within a set deadline.

A property right granted by the U.S. government to an inventor, excluding others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention for up to 20 years from filing.

An international treaty allowing inventors to seek patent protection in multiple countries through a single international application filed within 12 months of the priority application.

All public knowledge, publications, patents, and public uses that existed before the filing date of a patent application, used to evaluate novelty and non-obviousness.

A simplified, lower-cost patent application that establishes a priority filing date but is never examined. Must be followed by a non-provisional within 12 months to preserve priority.

For patents: applications are published 18 months after filing. For trademarks: published for opposition after approval, allowing third parties to challenge registration.

A real-world example showing the trademark as used in commerce on goods (labels, packaging) or services (advertisements, websites). Required for 1(a) filings.

A trademark consisting of text without specific font, color, or design elements. Provides the broadest protection across any visual presentation of the words.

A filing required for intent-to-use (1(b)) applications demonstrating that the mark is now in commerce. Must be filed within 6 months of the Notice of Allowance, extendable up to 36 months.

Trademark Electronic Application System — the USPTO's online filing portal. Now superseded by Trademark Center for new applications.

A word, phrase, symbol, design, or combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. Provides exclusive use in commerce when registered.

The USPTO's current online filing system for trademark applications, replacing TEAS. Provides application filing, status tracking, and office action responses.

The most common patent type, protecting new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture, or compositions of matter. Protection lasts 20 years from filing.

A patent protecting the ornamental design of a functional item. Protection lasts 15 years from grant (no maintenance fees required).

A patent granted for inventing or discovering and asexually reproducing a distinct and new variety of plant. Protection lasts 20 years from filing.

Patent and Trademark Resource Center — a network of libraries designated by the USPTO to provide patent and trademark research assistance to the public.

United States Patent and Trademark Office — the federal agency responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks. Part of the Department of Commerce.