Patent and Trademark Resource Center Metrics

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) started its network of libraries in 1871 when federal statute (35 U.S.C. § 12) first provided for the distribution of printed patents to libraries for use by the public. These libraries (previously known as Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries) receive and house copies of U.S. patents and patent and trademark materials, make them freely available to the public, and actively disseminate patent and trademark information. The USPTO has undertaken a revitalization of the Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program to reflect the new 21st Century electronic approach to customer services. As a part of this revitalization, the name will change to Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program and the nationwide network of libraries will be known as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These centers provide services to a variety of customers, including inventors, intellectual property attorneys and agents, business people, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and historians. Recognition as a PTRC is authorized under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 2(a)(2). In order to be designated as a PTRC, the libraries must fulfill several requirements. With regard to information collection, these libraries must provide metrics on the use of patent and trademark services provided by the member library and on outreach efforts conducted by the member library.

The latest form for Patent and Trademark Resource Center Metrics expires 2021-02-28 and can be found here.