How to Find Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries

A patent is intended to grant the exclusive rights to the inventor to exclude others from making, using, importing, and selling the patented innovation for a limited period of time. [1] If you have an invention, or the idea for an invention, you may want to do research to see how to go about obtaining a patent. To begin your research, the United States Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRC) have resources and trained specialists to assist you with your queries. PTRC depository libraries are located in public and academic libraries throughout the US.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Locating a Resource Center

  1. 1
    Search for Patent and Trademark Resource Centers online. [2] The U.S. Patent Trademark Office website has a map indicating the states which have a Resource Center.
    • Call the Resource Center to make sure of the center's hours and services.
    • Select an icon to find information on a specific center. Note that the link will take you to an outside website.
  2. 2
    Request a nearby public or academic library include a Patent and Trademark Resource Center. In order to become a designated center, the library must meet the following criteria:
    • Assist the public in the efficient use of patent and trademark information resources.
    • Provide free access to patent and trademark resources provided by the USPTO.
    • Provide metrics on the use of patent and trademark services provided by the member library as stipulated by the USPTO.
    • Provide metrics on outreach efforts conducted by the member library as stipulated by the USPTO.
    • Send representatives to attend the USPTO-hosted PTRC training seminars generally held on an annual basis. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Searching the Patent Office Data Base

  1. 1
    Use the US Patent Office's automated search tools. Patent and Trademark Resource Center libraries offer two advanced search tools to the public: Examiner's Automated Search Tool (PubEAST), and Web-based Examiner's Search Tool (PubWEST). Note: PubEAST and PubWEST are only available at the Patent and Trademark Resource Center libraries.
    • Search for patent information on PubEAST. PubEAST provides access to multiple data sources including U.S., European and Japanese Patent Office (JPO) Abstracts, as well as the Foreign Patent Retrieval system (FPRS). PubEAST provides a form-based search capability for novice users, and enables expert users to submit searches in Bibliographic Retrieval System (BRS) syntax and IS&R syntax. [4]
    • Search for patent information on PubWEST. PubWEST offers a server-based application tool for searching patent full-text and abstract databases. It accesses the same sources as PubEAST, and provides the ability for searchers to move quickly between lists of search results and the actual document. [5]
  2. Resource Center librarians have received special training to help users locate information from the US Patent Office.
    • Be as specific as possible when asking the librarian for help. The US Patent Office has resources dating back to 1790. If you have a name and/or number for a specific patent, it will make it easier to locate the record.
    • Keep in mind that the librarian is unable to give legal advice. For legal advice, you will need to consult a patent attorney.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Searching For Information On the Internet

  1. 1
    Search the US Patent Office Website. [6]
    • Enter your terms in the search box in the upper right-hand quarter. Make your search as specific as possible to find the most relevant search results. You can select Related Searches found at the bottom of the Search Results page to further narrow your search.
    • Locate your subject with the Find it Fast Links. Find it Fast provides quick links to the most popular applications and tools on the website.
  2. 2
    Use Google Patents [7] to find patent information. [8] The Google Patents search engine provides full text searches on patents dating back to the 1790s, with a more extensive database than the Patent Office.
  3. There are a number of companies offering patent services including patent searches and other patent services.
    • Nolo.com [9] lists several fee-based companies on its website.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/patent
      2. ↑ https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/support-centers/patent-and-trademark-resource-centers-ptrc/ptrc-locations
      3. ↑ https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/support-centers/patent-and-trademark-resource-centers-ptrc/history-and
      4. ↑ https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/support-centers/patent-and-trademark-resource-centers-ptrc/resources/pubeast
      5. ↑ https://guides.lib.utexas.edu/c.php?g=532337&p=3642211
      6. ↑ https://www.uspto.gov/
      7. ↑ https://patents.google.com/
      8. ↑ Jeremy Rutman, PhD. Patent Attorney. Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/patent-searching-online-29551.html

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