Health Tip: A "Patented" Marketing Gimmick

Many consumers mistakenly believe that products and supplements that are “Patented” have been endorsed by The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The PTO is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce and grants patents to protect the interests of the inventor. A patent indicates nothing of the validity of the claims the inventor may make about the product. If the claim is “this patented product will” help you lose weight, grow hair, or fight depression – realize a patent does not guarantee the efficacy or safety of the product. This marketing gimmick is misleading consumers, often intentionally. Don’t be fooled.