From the first U.S. patent to the next 250 years of American innovation; United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), August 4, 2026 1 PM EDT

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ; From the first U.S. patent to the next 250 years of American innovation

"Join the USPTO as we commemorate the 236th anniversary of the first U.S. patent and celebrate 250 years of American innovation. Join us virtually on August 4, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. ET. 

What you will learn:

• The history of the first U.S. patent
• How the patent system works today
• Resources available to inventors and small businesses
• How American inventors have shaped the nation over the past 250 years

On July 31, 1790, the United States granted the first U.S. patent to Samuel Hopkins for an improved process for making potash. This patent, signed by George Washington, was the first of nearly 13 million patents the U.S. government has granted.

This program will connect that historic milestone to the present day. Speakers will explore the origins of the patent system, how it supports innovation today, and how inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can use USPTO resources.  

This event is part of the agency’s efforts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and highlight the important role of intellectual property in our nation’s growth."

USPTO unveils new, improved homepage design; United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), July 23, 2026

Press Release, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO); USPTO unveils new, improved homepage design; United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

"As part of our efforts to improve and enhance the digital experience for USPTO.gov visitors, America's Innovation Agency, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), has unveiled a modernized homepage design to make it easier to find valuable information and resources.  

Launched on July 23, the updated USPTO homepage features a clean, more intuitive design that puts information front and center, giving users fast access to USPTO services, resources, and relevant information.  

“We’ve not only refreshed the way our homepage looks and feels, but we’ve reimagined how our visitors navigate the valuable resources we offer,” said John A. Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “The new homepage reflects the extensive time and effort our team invested in researching how people use our site and how we can improve their experience.” 

The modernized design is part of ongoing efforts to improve federal digital services available to the public.  

The agency is committed to incorporating public feedback to enhance our agency’s visitor experience on our website. Following the launch, the USPTO will collect and analyze user feedback to make additional improvements to the site. A special link to provide feedback will be available on the homepage itself."