Which federal agency is responsible for accepting applications for new patents?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency responsible for the examination and granting of patent applications. The USPTO's primary role is to promote innovation by issuing patents that protect inventors' rights to their inventions for a specified period. This allows inventors to potentially recoup their investments in research and development by providing an exclusive right to sell or license their inventions.

The other options represent different federal agencies with distinct responsibilities. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) focuses on protecting investors and maintaining fair market practices, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety and health regulations. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) deals with policies and programs related to food, agriculture, and rural development. Each of these agencies plays a critical role in their respective fields, but none are involved in the patent application process as the USPTO is.