The U.S. Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the AutoHarvest Foundation today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by which the two organizations will work together to spur innovation and generate jobs in advanced manufacturing through the creation of an online environment for innovators to exchange information, facilitate technical discussions, and encourage the growth of entrepreneurial activities.

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PATENT HOTLINE
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Call the USPTO Customer Support Centers for general patent information, Inventors Assistance Center, mailing addresses, Internet addresses, and contact information for other USPTO services. Follow the link for a list of additional Patents contact information.

ELIJAH J. MCCOY USPTO SATELLITE OFFICE IN DETROIT
This new satellite office serves as a resource for entrepreneurs and innovators throughout the Midwest. It offers services such as Universal Public Workstations for public searching, video conferencing equipment for interviews between patent applicants and examiners, as well as hosts judges for the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Follow the link for more information on services and contact information.
Public Searching
Hours: 9a.m. - 4p.m. Monday-Friday (except federal holidays)

RESOURCES FOR INVENTORS
The Office of Innovation Development designs and implements outreach programs intended to reach a wide range of groups, including independent inventors, women, small business concerns, university affiliated inventors, minorities, and other underserved communities. This Office promotes small business, entrepreneurship, and job creation by offering the following tools.
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PRO SE - PRO BONO INITIATIVE
Designed to help those either filing on their own or seeking free or greatly reduced services from patent professionals, this initiative seeks to assist financially under-resourced independent investors and small businesses.

PATENT PROSECUTION HIGHWAY
The USPTO has Patent Prosecution Highway agreements with various Intellectual Property Offices around the world to help applicants get international patents faster. Member nations of PPH agreements share background research, information, and prior art regarding filed applications to allow examiners to fast track subsequent corresponding filings in other member nations.

UNDERSTANDING THE AMERICAN INVENTS ACT
The America Invents act modernized the U.S. patent system. Offered here is a comprehensive guide to changes made under the Act, including some helpful videos and resources that highlight key components of the Act.