OVERVIEW
Patents & Trademarks in the Lone Star State is designed to be an informative and interactive site for those interested in learning more about the patents and trademarks that pertain to Texas and Texans. The site was developed in the spring of 2004 using information primarily from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The site developers searched the databases of the USPTO looking for relevant, interesting, and unusual information to pass along to the citizens of Texas and other interested parties. Information is presented in five content areas: Glossary, Facts & Myths, Patent Firsts, Trivia Challenge, and The Process.

FACTS & MYTHS
The Facts & Myths section explores common myths and misconceptions. You will learn the truth about whether patents will make you rich and just how long trademarks are protected.

PATENT FIRSTS
The Patent Firsts section digs up some of the breakthrough developments in the world of patents. Read about everything from the first plant patent to the youngest patent holder in history.

THE PROCESS
The Process is where serious inventors looking for information about their own inventions or trademarks will want to visit. Here you will find advice on the process, ways to develop ideas, searching strategies, and plenty of links to other information.

TRIVIA CHALLENGE
For the Trivia Challenge we searched the USPTO databases in order to bring you fun, weird, and just plain wacky information. In this section you will be tested on your knowledge on Texas food, transportation, shopping, sports, universities and technology. Do you think you can handle it?

GLOSSARY
The Glossary section culls names and terms from the other sections on our site. For those looking for an exhaustive listing of patent and trademark terms, a more definitive glossary can be found at the USPTO.

Enjoy your journey through Patents and Trademarks of the Lone Star State!