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Patent & Trademark Depository Library Program In The USA
A Trademark Depository Library is better known by the full name of Patent & Trademark Depository Library. The USPTO designates a library to be a Patent & Trademark Depository Library that will receive copies of intellectual property materials which are stored at the library for free public access.
A library must meet specific standards to be designated as Patent & Trademark Depository Library. Information can also be distributed by the library and the library is also obliged to fulfil specific requirements. The first time that the Patent & Trademark Depository Library Program was used, was as far back as 1871.
At the start of the Patent & Trademark Depository Library Program, most of the participating libraries were situated on the east of the Mississippi River.
There were originally 22 libraries in the program, but the number has grown considerably. About 50% of member libraries today are academic while a large percentage is public. One special library and numerous state libraries are also members of the Patent & Trademark Depository Program. Through the program the USPTO can get information to the public ensuring that the patent and trademark information is accessible.
Although the requirements and obligations of a Patent & Trademark Depository Library are numerous, there are benefits in becoming one of the participating libraries.
The library is seen as a valuable resource by the community and as such usage of the library is guaranteed. As such new communities can be attracted because of the information which is held and accessible in such a library.
The typical Patent & Trademark Depository Library holds materials such as patent and trademarks, patent status information, access to the US Government Gazettes, and re-examination certificates.
The information can be held and distributed electronically, in print or on microfilm. Contact us at Smit & Van Wyk Attorneys to help you conduct a patent search in the USA.
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