What is a Patent Plaque?

Before discussing patent plaques, it is helpful to understand what a patent is.

A patent is a grant of intellectual property rights issued by a governmental authority. In the United States, patents are issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). For a limited period of time, a patent gives the patent owner the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing the invention covered by the patent claims. The patent may be owned by the inventor or by another person or organization, known as the assignee, to whom the inventor has assigned the patent rights.

Most countries have similar systems for granting patent rights.

A patent does not, by itself, physically prevent someone from using the patented invention. If another party infringes a patent, the patent owner may have to enforce those rights through negotiation or litigation and establish that the patent is valid and infringed.

From Paper Patents to Electronic Patent Grants

For many years, the USPTO mailed newly issued patents to patent owners in paper form with an attractive cover displaying the patent grant and the USPTO seal.

That changed on April 18, 2023, when the USPTO began issuing patents electronically. The official patent grant is now an electronic document available through the USPTO’s Patent Center. Patent owners can view and print copies of their issued patents electronically.

Although a printed copy provides a record of the patent, many inventors and companies want a more substantial and attractive way to recognize an accomplishment that may represent years of research, development, patent prosecution, and financial investment.

What Is a Patent Plaque?

A patent plaque is a commemorative wall or desktop display created to recognize the issuance of a patent.

Patent plaques typically reproduce selected information from the issued patent on a decorative image plate. Depending on the design, the plaque may include:

• Patent title

• Patent number

• Issue date

• Names of one or all inventors

• Assignee or patent owner

• Patent drawing or figure

• Patent abstract

• USPTO seal

• Director’s Certificate and signature

• Corporate or university logo

The image plate is normally mounted on a plaque base. Premium plaque bases may be made from solid walnut or other hardwoods. More economical bases are often manufactured from MDF with a simulated wood finish.

Traditional wood patent plaques generally include a keyhole on the back for wall mounting. Other styles use acrylic plaque bases in various colors and finishes. Acrylic plaques may be mounted directly to the wall or displayed with decorative standoffs that position the plaque away from the wall.

Patent plaques are available in many combinations of designs, sizes, plate colors, wood finishes, acrylic colors, and price ranges. Some are designed as individual inventor awards, while others are purchased by corporations, universities, research organizations, and law firms as part of ongoing inventor-recognition programs or patent-wall displays.

When selecting a patent plaque provider, buyers may want to compare the plaque designs, materials, customization options, pricing, proofing process, turnaround time, and customer service offered by different suppliers.