Changes

== Functions ==

== Functions ==

The USPTO plays an important function of advising the U.S. Government and the President of the United States, the Secretary of Commerce on the protection and enforcement of the intellectual property (IP) policy. It also works towards promoting stronger as well as effective IP protection around the world. The USPTO also works in coordination with the U.S. innovators and entrepreneurs by working with agencies all around the world to ensure they have a strong IP provision in terms of free trade and international agreements. Another major function of USPTO is to provide training and necessary education and organize capacity building programs that will increase the respect for IP and foster the development of strong IP enforcement regimes by the U.S. trading partners.<ref>[http://www.uspto.gov/about/index.jsp uspto.gov]</ref>

The USPTO plays the important function of advising the U.S. Government, the President of the United States, and the Secretary of Commerce on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property ([[IP]]) policy. It also works towards promoting stronger and more effective IP protection around the world. The USPTO works in coordination with U.S. innovators and entrepreneurs by working with agencies all around the world to ensure that they have a strong IP provision in terms of free trade and international agreements. Another major function of USPTO is to provide the necessary education, training, and programs to increase respect for IP and foster the development of strong IP enforcement regimes for U.S. trading partners.<ref>[http://www.uspto.gov/about/index.jsp uspto.gov]</ref>

== Structure ==

== Structure ==

The head of the USPTO is known by two names, the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property.  

The head of the USPTO is known by two names, the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property.  

The staff of the Director involves the Deputy Director of the USPTO, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce, the Commissioner for Trademarks, the Commissioner for Patents, and other officials.

The staff of the Director are the Deputy Director of the USPTO, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce, the Commissioner for Trademarks, the Commissioner for Patents, and other officials.

The Director, as the head of the USPTO, performs all duties related to the granting as well as issuing of the patents and the registration of the trademarks. The Director also exercises the overall supervision of all the work of the USPTO. The Director also has to prescribe the rules that need to be approved by the Secretary of Commerce for the recognition of agents or attorneys, for the conduct of the proceedings in the USPTO. The director also needs to decide about the various questions put before the Office by petition in accordance of the rules and perform duties that are necessary and required for the sake of administration of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. <ref>[http://inventors.about.com/od/patentoffices/a/USPTO.htm inventors.about.com]</ref>

The Director, as the head of the USPTO, performs all duties related to the granting and issuing of patents and the registration of trademarks. The Director also supervises the work of the USPTO, and prescribes the rules that need to be approved by the Secretary of Commerce for the recognition of agents or attorneys, for the conduct of the proceedings in the USPTO. The director also needs to decide about the various questions put before the Office by petition in accordance of the rules and perform duties that are necessary and required for the sake of administration of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. <ref>[http://inventors.about.com/od/patentoffices/a/USPTO.htm inventors.about.com]</ref>

== Role ==

== Role ==