Patents & Trademarks
Do you have a great idea for an invention?
Do you want to protect your business name, business slogan, logo, or product brand?
The Free Library of Philadelphia can help you!
The Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) has been designated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent & Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), one of three in the state of Pennsylvania, and the only one in eastern Pennsylvania. As a PTRC, the Free Library of Philadelphia has a mission to support the public, inventors, and small businesses to find the information they need to protect their intellectual property.
Our PTRC is located in the Business Resource & Innovation Center (BRIC) on the ground floor of Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Contact us to learn more about patents and trademarks and how to do the necessary research before filing your patent or trademark application with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).
See what everyone is saying about our great service!
Resources & Services
Present and provide free and low-cost workshops and programs.
Request an appointment using the button below with the Patent and Trademark Librarian at Parkway Central Library to learn more about patents and trademarks and how to do the research necessary before filing an application with the United States Patent & Trademark Office. (Please note, the librarian cannot provide legal advice or complete application forms.)
A designated computer is available for patent and trademark researchers to access USPTO databases for trademark and patent searching, including PubEAST and PubWEST.
We have print materials, brochures, and pathfinders to help you with the patent and trademark application process, and can also assist with questions about pro bono (free) legal help and licensing of patents.
Start Here!
We're here to assist you with your patent & trademark needs. Please complete our intake form to schedule a one-on-one research session.
Upcoming Events
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Virtual Trademarks 101: Learn the Basics
Wed, October 27, 2021
10:00 A.M.
Parkway Central Library
Do you want to protect your logo, brand name, or slogan with a trademark? Join us to learn more about the three different types of trademarks available for businesses and entrepreneurs and where to apply for them. The Free Library of Philadelphia is a Patent & Trademark Resource…
Headshots at the BRIC!
Thu, November 4, 2021
1:00 P.M.
Parkway Central Library
Get a FREE headshot photo taken at the Business Resource and Innovation Center! Headshots are a unique service for entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, job seekers, and more. Use your photo to enhance your professional portfolio and make your LinkedIn profile stand out among the…