Patent and Trademark Resource Center
About Our PTRC
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) designated the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Libraries as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) in 2025. As a Patent and Trademark Resource Center or PTRC, we are part of a nationwide network of academic, public, and state libraries designated to support the public with patent and trademark assistance.
The University Libraries' collection includes works on intellectual property and related topics, as well as subscription databases for USM students, faculty, and staff to search for patent information.
Our PTRC Services
The Patent and Trademark Resource Center:
- Provides brief orientations to available patent and trademark resources. Please see the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Research Guide for more information.
- Demonstrates how to conduct a general patent or trademark search.
- Offers workshops on performing basic patent and trademark searching.
- Provides USPTO brochures and access to USPTO online resources.
- Provides referrals to the USM Office of Innovation Management for patent application questions.
- Provides contact information for USPTO experts to serve information needs beyond the scope of the PTRC.
Librarians cannot provide advice to you about your patent or trademark search, conduct your patent or trademark search for you, nor provide advice to you about your patent or trademark application because this would be considered legal advice and the unauthorized practice of law.
Assistance
The USM PTRC representatives are available by appointment to meet in-person or online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. To schedule an appointment, please email Neal Lawson in Long Beach, MS at , email Tracy Englert in Hattiesburg, MS at , or fill out this form.