Science & Engineering Librarian
Physical & Mathematical Sciences Library
University Park
History of the PTRC
The Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program was established in 1871 to make printed patents available to the American public. Today, the overwhelming majority of patent and trademark information is available electronically and the mission of making it easier to find is carried on by a network of approximately 85 academic, public, state, and special libraries across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.
What is the PTRC
The Pennsylvania State University Libraries is home to 1 of 3 Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRC) in the State of Pennsylvania. The PTRC is housed in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library on the University Park Campus in State College, PA. As a PTRC, Penn State Libraries representatives can:
- Provide access to USPTO resources
- Direct you to information and explain the application process and fee schedule
- Demonstrate how to use search tools to conduct a patent or trademark search
- Show you a directory of local patent attorneys who are licensed to practice before the USPTO
- Offer classes on intellectual property (varies by location)
- Offer assistance on how to do historical research on patents and trademarks
- Show you how to track current research by company or nonprofit
- Help you find assignee information and much more.
If you are not in the University park area, see the PTRC locations by state to find the one nearest to you.
Finding Help at Penn State
PTRC consultations can be held virtually, through Zoom or email, or in-person, at the Physical & Mathematical Sciences Library in Davey Lab on the University Park Campus.
If you would like patent or trademark research help, click "Book an Appointment Now" and our PTRC representative will be in touch.
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Additionally, librarians throughout Penn State Libraries and across the Penn State Campus locations share expertise in patents and trademarks; they can provide further support. See the list below for additional support.
- Sara Hess -
- Location: University Park
- Business and Entrepreneurship Librarian
- Contact email: sfh5542@psu.edu
- Lori Lysiak -
- Location: Penn State Altoona
- Reference and Instruction Librarian
- Contact email: lal29@psu.edu
Parking Information and Maps
- Daily Visitor Parking InformationTransportation Services offer multiple visitor parking locations across campus, with the best option dependent on where guests are visiting and how long parking is needed.
- Visitor Parking RegulationsVisitors, including contractors and service providers, wishing to use parking facilities operated by Transportation Services on the University Park campus, or any property owned or leased by The Pennsylvania State University, must obtain a permit or pay for time at a designated visitor parking area during posted lot reserved hours.
- MapsThis link shares both a Google map and a printable map.
Terms to Know
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CopyrightCopyrights protect literary, artistic, and musical materials. They are administered by the Library of Congress and last for the life of the author plus seventy additional years.
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PatentsPatents protect inventions. They are administered by the United States Patent & Trademark Office and last up to twenty years from date of filing.
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TrademarkTrademark protects identifiers (logos, names, slogans, etc.) that are used to identify the source of a commercial good or service. They are administered by the USPTO and they last as long as they remain in active use.
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Trade SecretsTrade Secrets protect secret information, often information that isn't patentable or is too sensitive to patent. They only last as long as they're secret, and are protected by legal documents like non-disclosure agreements.