Patent and Trademark Office

The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) is a government agency responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks in the United States. A patent gives inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a limited time, preventing others from making, using, or selling it without permission. A trademark protects brands, logos, and phrases, ensuring that consumers can identify the source of goods or services. The PTO examines applications to determine if they meet legal requirements, helping to foster innovation and protect intellectual property rights in various industries.