Patent Basics   Tags: engineering, generalguide, gettingstarted  

This LibGuide provides basic information about US patents and how to find full text of specific patents through several sources. Many patents are available free in full text on the web.

Remember, intellectual property laws, including those associated with patents, vary by country.  Though there are some international agreements, each country sets it own laws.

For more assistance or to set up a consultation with the Engineering Librarian send an email.

In the United States and Canada both the patent system and the trademark process are administered by the same offices.

From the US Patent and Trademark Office, a site that allows you to look up status informatin for patent applications.  This site does not allow you to search for patents by topic but once you have an application number you may

• Display issued or published patent application status.
• Access public application image file wrapper, including: patents, published application documents and applications to which a patented or published application claims domestic priority.

This video describes three types of intellectual property defined by law in the United States.  These are patent, trademark, and copyright.

Please be advised that any information and/or links provided on this site do not constitute legal advice and are for informational purposes only.  Any person using this site may wish to seek legal advice from a licensed attorney to address any legal questions or concerns.