INTA Competitors

For over 200 years, the basic role of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has remained the same: to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries (Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution). Under this system of protection, American industry has flourished. New products have been invented, new uses for old ones discovered, and employment opportunities created for millions of Americans. The strength and vitality of the U.S. economy depends directly on effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity. The continued demand for patents and trademarks underscores the ingenuity of American inventors and entrepreneurs. The USPTO is at the cutting edge of the Nation’s technological progress and achievement. The USPTO is a federal agency in the Department of Commerce. The USPTO occupies several interconnected buildings in Alexandria, Virginia. The office employs more than 14,000 people -- including engineers, scientists, attorneys, analysts, computer specialists -- all dedicated to protecting U.S. intellectual property rights. At the USPTO, the talents of all our colleagues enrich our vibrant workplace, and we celebrate and value each one.

The European Patent Organisation is an intergovernmental organisation that was set up on 7 October 1977 on the basis of the European Patent Convention (EPC) signed in Munich in 1973. It has two bodies, the European Patent Office and the Administrative Council, which supervises the Office's activities. We offer inventors a uniform application procedure which enables them to seek patent protection in up to 40 European countries. Supervised by the Administrative Council, the Office is the executive arm of the European Patent Organisation. As the Patent Office for Europe, we support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth across Europe through a commitment to high quality and efficient services delivered under the European Patent Convention. With expert, well-supported staff, motivated to set worldwide standards in quality and efficiency, we will continue to contribute to innovation across Europe, and play a leading role in developing an effective global patent system. All our relationships - within our Office and with partners around the world - will prosper through trust, transparency, fairness and mutual respect. Our processes will empower our people to use their knowledge and skills to the full. The EPO is an equal opportunity employer providing our staff with the chance to build long-term stable careers. We offer one of the most comprehensive and family-friendly benefits packages in Europe.

A method for training an athlete to adopt a vertical head-up position includes: placing a visor comprising an opaque region over the face of the athlete such that the opaque region of the visor blocks the upper peripheral vision of the athlete if the athlete lowers his/her head below the vertical head-up position; and having the athlete train with the visor over his/her face to teach the athlete to keep the head in the vertical head-up position, thereby minimizing a risk of head-to-head contact with another athlete during a game. An apparatus for training an athlete to adopt a vertical head-up position is also described. Head and neck injuries due to head-down contact in sports in which such contact may occur (such as football, lacrosse, hockey and baseball) are an increasing concern. Of particular concern is the health risk to an athlete that suffers a concussion. Health risks are accelerated when an athlete suffers multiple concussions.