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Patent and Trademark Resource Center at Tuskegee University: Home

This guide will assist you in navigating the resources that we provide at Tuskegee University's Library as an official Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC).

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

Trademarks fee changes effective January 18, 2025:
Trademarks fees are changing on January 18, 2025. For a summary of these changes, visit the summary page. For more information, see the news brief.

Patents fee changes effective January 19, 2025:
Patents fees are changing on January 19, 2025. For a summary of these changes, visit the summary page. For more information, see the news brief.

What topic do you need help with?

I need help with this topic:
All topics: 2 votes (33.33%)
Learning the essentials: 1 votes (16.67%)
Preparing to file: 2 votes (33.33%)
Applying for protection: 0 votes (0%)
Amending or appealing an application: 0 votes (0%)
Protecting your rights abroad: 1 votes (16.67%)
Total Votes: 6

What is a Patent and Trademark Resource Center?

USPTO: Journeys of Innovation

When his heat-pump prototype shot a stream of water across the room, Lonnie Johnson realized the technology could create a super-powered water gun. Getting the toy to market, however, would take nearly a decade.

Debuting in 1990, the Super Soaker® was an instant commercial success that led to the water gun's induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame and its inventor — with more than 200 patents — into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Click HERE for a full interview with Inventor and Alum, Lonnie Johnson

Welcome to the Tuskegee University Patent and Trademark Resource Center!

Tuskegee University Library is designated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office ® as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center--officially marking the historic milestone of 100 PTRCs in the United States. We are a resource center to offer public access to products and services, patent and trademark training, and reference assistance and outreach.

NOTE: As PTRC representatives, we do not offer legal advice. However, we can provide you with the following services: (1) show you how to use patent and trademark search tools (2) explain to you the application process (3) assist you in using the USPTO's directory of local patent attorneys and (3) connect you to other USPTO classes and resources.

 

Press Release: USPTO Reaches Historic Milestone with Tuskegee University

Upcoming Events

GRAND OPENING!

 

PATH TO A PATENT: PART 8, Common mistakes and post-filing support

Are you an inventor? Join us for this session full of important tips on filing a patent application and what to do after you file for a patent.

In the final part of this eight-part recurring series, you will learn about common mistakes to avoid and gain a better understanding of post-filing procedures and support. 

This information will be presented live via Zoom on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 1:00 pm CST - 2:30pm CST, and will conclude with a question-and-answer session.