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 (USPTO) 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 and Trademark Office.

See what everyone is saying about our great service!

Resources & Services

Present and provide free and low-cost workshops and programs.

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.

Computers are available for patent and trademark researchers to access USPTO databases for trademark and patent searching, including the new Patent Public Search database.

Please contact the Government Publications Department (215-686-5330/5396) or Music Department (215-686-5316) of the Free Library of Philadelphia for information on copyrights.

Video Content Library

  • Patent, Trademark, Copyright and Trade Secret Toolkit

    Do you want to protect your invention, product, brand name, logo, short story, or song that you've created? Learn about the different types of intellectual property (IP) available, and the requirements, timelines and costs to do so. Basic searching techniques for patents and trademarks are included in this class.

  • Patents 101: Learn the Basics

    Do you want to protect your invention or design with a patent? Learn about the three different types of U.S. patents available for what you invent. The requirements, costs, and where to search for existing patents are covered in this class.

  • Trademarks 101: Learn the Basics

    Do you want to protect your business logo, brand name, or slogan with a trademark? Learn about the three different types of trademarks available, how to search for existing trademarks, and where to apply for them in this class.

  • Copyrights 101: What They Are and How to Get One

    Do you want to protect your song, poem, book, blog, photo, video, sound recording or painting with a copyright? Watch this class to learn what copyrights are and how to get one.

Online Resources

See these curated resources for more information about intellectual property (IP).

Legal Resources in Philadelphia and Beyond

Upcoming Events

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Hybrid Keeping Your Business Legal

Hybrid Keeping Your Business Legal

Wed, October 5, 2022 2:00 P.M.
Parkway Central Library

Running a business can be exciting and empowering, while at the same time creating fear and anxiety. With so much to worry about as a new entrepreneur, how can you take advantage of new opportunities without making a catastrophic mistake? During this in person and virtual workshop, Zane Johnson…

Headshots in the Rare Book Department!

Headshots in the Rare Book Department!

Thu, October 6, 2022 1:00 P.M.
Parkway Central Library

Calling all bibliophiles, history lovers, artists, curioseekers, and professionals! The FREE headshot service you love in the Business Resource and Innovation Center  will be offered in the Rare Book Department 's Elkins Library in October (just in time for spooky season)! Join us…

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