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PTO Factoids

Ø First patent issued in July 1790

Ø Began numbering patents in 1836; already 4000 in existence at this date

Ø Approx. 3100 PTP employees

Ø In U.S. patent applications are held in confidence until patent application is published (within 18 months of filing) ØUtility patent term of rights: 20 years from date you first apply

Ø Design patent term of rights: 14 years