What is the primary function of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)?

The primary function of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is to grant patents and register trademarks. This role involves the examination of applications for patents and trademarks to ensure they meet the legal requirements set forth in the applicable statutes. The USPTO reviews the technical and legal merits of inventions, assesses the uniqueness of trademarks, and ultimately makes determinations on whether to issue patents or register trademarks, thereby providing legal recognition to inventors and businesses.

The granting of patents protects the rights of inventors by giving them exclusivity over their inventions for a certain period, which incentivizes innovation and investment in research and development. Similarly, registering trademarks protects brand identifiers, which helps consumers identify the source of goods and services and fosters fair competition.

While the USPTO does play a role in promoting public awareness of intellectual property through various resources and education initiatives, as well as providing some guidance on patent law, these activities are secondary to its primary mission of processing and granting patents and trademarks.