Which government agency issues patents and registers trademarks in the United States?

• A. Trademark
• B. Trade Shows
• C. United States Patent and Trademark Office
• D. United States Copyright Office

Answer: (C)

Patents and trademarks in the United States are handled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This government agency examines patent applications to determine if an invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful, and, if so, issues a patent that gives the inventor exclusive rights for a period. It also registers trademarks—names, logos, or symbols that identify the source of goods or services—helping protect brand identity and prevent consumer confusion. The other options don’t fit: one is not a government agency, trade shows are events, and the Copyright Office handles copyrights, not patents or trademarks.