What We Can Do
- Access to resources such as PubWEST, databases for searching patents
- PubWest – The public version of the Web-based Examiner’s Search Tool offers a server-based application tool for searching patent full-text and abstract databases. PubWEST is available at the King Library in SJPL Works during open hours. Please see staff for assistance with logging in.
- Direct you to information and explain the application process and fee schedule
- Demonstrate how to use search tools to conduct a patent or trademark search
- Show you a directory of local patent attorneys who are licensed to practice before the USPTO
- Classes on intellectual property
- Assistance on how to do historical research patents and trademarks
- Show you how to track current research by company or nonprofit
What We Can't Do
- Conduct a patent/trademark search for you
- Suggest words to use in your search
- Give an opinion about your invention
- Interpret USPTO rules
- Fill out forms on your behalf
- Offer legal advice of any kind
Useful Links
- Intellectual Property Basics video series (University of Michigan – Engineering Department)
- Investors Assistance Center
Patent Information
What is a patent?
According to the USPTO, “A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Generally, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for th patent was filed in the United States or, in special cases, from the date an earlier related application was filed, subject to the payment of maintenance fees. U.S. patent grants are effective only within the United States, U.S. territories, and U.S. possessions. Under certain circumstances, patent term extensions or adjustments may be available.
The right conferred by the patent grant is, in the language of the statute and of the grant itself, “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States or “importing” the invention into the United States. What is granted is not the right to make, use, offer for sale, sell or import, but the right to exclude others from making, using offering for sale, selling or importing the invention. Once a patent is issued, the patentee must enforce the patent without aid of the USPTO.”
Basic Patent Information
- General Information Concerning Patents
- The Patent Process Overview
- Patent FAQs
- Patent fees and Patent forms
U.S. Patent Searching Helpful Links
- 7 Step U.S. Patent Search Strategy
- Index to the United States Patent Classification (USPC) System
- USPTO Classification Manual
U.S. Patent Search Tools
- PatFT (keyword search patents back to 1976)
- AppFT (search patent applications published since 2001)
- Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR)
Foreign Patent Search Tools
- Espacenet (EPO) search the European Patent Office database
- Patentscope (WIPO) search for international patent documents
- International Patent Protection
Additional Web Resouces
- How to Perform a Patent Search (University of Texas – Austin)
- Link to Patent Attorneys and Patent Agents
- European Patent Office (EPO)
- WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organization
Trademark Information
What is a trademark?
According to the USPTO, “A trademark is generally a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.”
Basic Trademark Information
- USPTO’s Trademark Basics
- Basic Facts about Trademarks booklet
- Basic Facts about Trademarks video
- Trademark Information Network
- Trademark fees and Trademark forms
U.S. Trademark Search Tools
- Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) – search USPTO’s database of registered trademarks and prior pending applications
- Design Search Code Manual
- Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval – search this database to find information about pending trademarks
International Trademark Search Tool
- Madrid Monitor – search for international trademarks
Copyright Information
What is a copyright?
According to the United States Copyright Office, a copyright is “a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States for “original works of authorship”, including literary, dramatic, musical, architectural, cartographic, choreographic, pantomimic, pictorial, graphic, sculptural, and audiovisual creations.” Copyrights cover both published and unpublished works.
Basic Copyright Information
- U.S. Copyright Office
- U.S. Copyright Office’s Copyright Basics
- Copyright forms
- Copyright Office Catalog – database of United States copyrights since 1978
- World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright and Related Rights