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Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

This guide will help you navigate resources provided by the Cline Library Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC).

Welcome to the Patent and Trademark Resource Center

Cline Library is one of three designated PTRCs in Arizona, along with Arizona State University and the Arizona State Library. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) administers the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program, a national network of public, state, and academic libraries designated as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRC), authorized by 35 U.S.C. 12 to:

  • Disseminate patent and trademark information, and
  • Support diverse intellectual property needs of the public.

PTRC staff can provide:

  • Education on intellectual property topics (including patents and trademarks);
  • Directions to authoritative patent and trademark information; and
  • Specialized instruction for the patent and trademark searching processes. PTRC staff cannot conduct patent or trademark searches on anyone's behalf.

PTRC staff are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. This guide is designed to provide general information about intellectual property. Cline Library and its employees provide an information service with no express or implied warranty for results. Cline Library assumes no obligation or liability for damage arising out of the use, or inability to use, the information provided. Visit the USPTO for legal assistance and resources.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. One can find most information relating to patents and trademarks (including but not limited to filing information, forms, fee schedule, how to search patent and trademark databases) on the official site.

Features short video presentations on various topics by USPTO.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) operates a headquarters and Eastern Regional Outreach Office in Alexandria, Virginia, and four additional regional offices across the nation.

The Western Office serves Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Other PTRCs in the State of Arizona. Please contact them before visiting these PTRCs in person.

Arizona State Library

Provides access to a variety of information related to Arizona state history, including government publications, legal resources, newspapers, maps, and local and family histories.

1901 W Madison St (link is external)
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone: 602-926-3870 | Fax: 602-256-7982
Hours: Open Monday - Friday by appointment. Click here to request an appointment.

Patent Guide

Trademark Guide

Arizona State University

The PTRC is open to the public by appointment only. ASU Library representatives are available to meet online by Zoom or at library locations in the Phoenix metropolitan area including:

PTRC Guide