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The University of Massachusetts Amherst
Libraries Ask Us

PTRC

The PTRC Librarian can assist with the following about patents and trademarks:

  • Provide access to databases and other resources, such as Patent Public Search and TESS, Trademark Electronic Search System, and demonstrate how to use search tools to conduct a patent or trademark search.
  • Explain where and how to search depending on the level of authority required.
  • Direct you to information and explain the application process and fee schedule. 
  • Help you locate attorneys licensed to practice before the USPTO or other legal resources.
  • Offer classes on intellectual property.
  • 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 ownership of patents.
  • Provide access to printed color plant patents.

The PTRC Librarian is not an attorney and may not provide legal advice. The information presented in this LibGuide is meant to be an introduction to these topics and direct you to further assistance from authoritative sources. 

UMass Technology Transfer Office

The Technology Transfer Office provides assistance with patents, trademarks, licensing, and copyrights for inventors, artists, and other creators of UMass Amherst.

Mass Venture Center, Suite 201
100 Venture Way
Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: 413-545-3606
Email: tto@umass.edu

Overarching Goals

  1. Bring the fruits of UMass Amherst research and creativity to the public.

  2. Amplify innovation, creativity and entrepreneurism on campus through service to faculty, post-doc, student and staff inventors.

  3. Help start new companies that can contribute to the economic development and innovation ecosystems of Western Massachusetts and the Commonwealth.

  4. Increase funding for translational research programs and continue to build a synergistic university-industry research community.

How to Find Attorneys and Other Legal Resources

  USPTO Inventor Assistance by State:  Massachusetts.

Patent Pro Bono Program

Massachusetts inventors are served by the Patent Pro Bono Program of New England (https://artsandbusinesscouncil.org/patent-pro-bono-program), part of the USPTO's nationwide pro bono program that matches inventors who qualify (based on income) with volunteer attorneys and patent professionals that will help you file your patent application. 

Law School Clinics

Inventors and entrepreneurs can obtain free legal help for both patent and trademark matters through law schools certified by the USPTO. Participating law school clinics provide patent and/or trademark legal services to qualified members of the public who are accepted as a client of a clinic. Each participating law school has requirements for accepting new clients and accepts new clients at their discretion. In addition to the ones listed below, there are many others that provide patent and trademark services to all residents of the United States regardless of location - see map here.

Law students provide IP-related legal services to diverse and low-income individuals and start-ups who cannot afford legal services. Students in the clinic address issues related to IP rights, risks and transactions (with a focus on trademark, copyright and trade secret protection); collaborate on policies, presentations and workshops; and develop skills related to managing a legal services office. Contact by emailing at pcolab@northeastern.edu

In addition to other small business legal matters, students can perform preliminary trademark availability searches, advise as to copyright protection for client work product, and draft non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements. Contact Marie Fletcher, Office of Clinical ProgramsBlake Law Center, T: 413-782-1469, email mfletcher@law.wne.edu.

Students under the supervision of attorneys provide pro-bono legal services to appropriate individuals, small start-ups, non-profit groups and government entities regarding cutting-edge issues of the Internet, new technology and intellectual property. Contact Cyberlaw Clinic, Harvard Law School, Reginald F. Lewis Center, 1557 Massachusetts Ave, 4th Floor Cambridge, MA 02138, 617-384-9125 (tel), 617-812-3050 (fax), clinic@cyber.harvard.edu (email).

We provide legal assistance to organizations that are unable to pay market rates for legal services and that fit our other selection criteria. Interested organizations should complete an intake form and e-mail the completed form to: bsuc@rwu.ed

 FindLaw's Lawyer Directory is the largest online directory of attorneys.

Find Massachusetts Patents Lawyers:  https://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practicestate/patents/massachusetts