Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
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Introduction
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) (formally known as US Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries) are a network of state, public, and academic libraries designated by the USPTO to distribute patent and trademark documents and information to the US public.[1] According to the USPTO website, the program began in 1871 after a federal statute 35 USC 12 funded the distribution of patent documents to libraries across the country for public use.[2] The program begin with 22 libraries and has grown since 1977 to a network of more than 80 libraries.[2] PTRCs inlcude academic libraries (about half), public libraries, state libraries, and even one special research library. The libraries must meet the same requirements to become a PTRC, which are defined in the information brochure "Notes on Becoming a Patent and Trademark Depository Library."[2]
The core mission of the PTRC system is to:[1]
- Disseminate Patent and Trademark Information
- Support Diverse Intellectual Property Needs of the Public
A full directory of all US libraries participating in the PTRC program is available on the USPTO website.
Resources Provided by a PTRC
The USPTO website describes how PTRCs must maintain a core collection of materials (PDF), including at least a 20-year back file of US patents.[3]
PTRCs provide access to the following electronic search products:[3]
- PubWEST
- Optical Disc Products at Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries (CASSIS)
- US Patent Database - Available through the USPTO website (PatFT and AppFT)
- Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) - Available on USPTO website
- Trademark Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual - Available on USPTO website
Recent Updates
September 2011 - According to a press release from the USPTO, US Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries will be known as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers beginning on October 1, 2011.[4]
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Mission." USPTO website, http://www.uspto.gov/products/library/ptdl/mission.jsp. Accessed August 19, 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "History and Background." USPTO website, http://www.uspto.gov/products/library/ptdl/background/index.jsp. Accessed August 19, 2011.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "PTDL Basic Materials and Services." USPTO website, http://www.uspto.gov/products/library/ptdl/services/index.jsp#PrtdMaterials. Accessed August 19, 2011.
- ↑ "USPTO Rebrands National Library Network as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers." USPTO website. Published September 28, 2011. http://www.uspto.gov/news/pr/2011/11-52.jsp. Accessed September 29, 2011.
