The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced that Montana State University will host a new U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Community Engagement Office, making it one of the largest hubs west of the Mississippi for patent and trademark services alongside Dallas and San Francisco. Serving innovators across an eight-state region, the MSU-based office will provide direct access to federal intellectual property resources, support workforce development—particularly in advanced manufacturing and computing—and help fill the gap left by the closure of the Denver regional office. MSU was selected for its strong research activity, graduate programs, and capacity to commercialize technology, with university leaders emphasizing that the office aligns with MSU’s mission to expand access to education and innovation in Montana and the broader region.

Montana State University announced as site of new U.S. Patent and Trademark office