This web page is no longer being updated. For current patent and trademark information, please go to the following Georgia Tech Research Guide: Patents & Trademarks, compiled by Lisha Li, Patent Coordinator, USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) Representative, Georgia Tech Library, phone: 404-385-7185, E-mail: lisha.li@library.gatech.edu or Patents and Trademarks: Detailed Guide   http://libguides.gatech.edu/cat.php?cid=18983

United States Patent & Trademark Office

Seven Step Strategy
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ido/ptdl/step7.htm

USPTO patent search page http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html

Instructions for accessing full-page images in TIFF format are at http://www.uspto.gov/patft/help/images.htm
Patent Fetcher from Patent Logistics, LLC is at http://free.patentfetcher.com/.

Search by class/subclass.   Browse class titles and descriptions.

Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System is available online at http://www.uspto.gov/go/classification/uspcindex/indextouspc.htm

Manual of Classification.    Printable Version of USPTO Class Schedule (PDF)
and Class Definition.  http://www.uspto.gov/go/classification/

Before you begin your search -- Ask yourself --

• What does your invention do?
• What is the purpose of the invention?  Is it a design or utility function?  Is it a product or process?
• What is the end result?
• What is it made of?
• What is it used for?   How is it used?
• What are common technical terms that describe the nature of the invention?
• Avoid broad terms such as device, process and system.  Alternative keywords (rat, rodent etc.)

Check "References Cited" and "Referenced By"

Fees.  The current USPTO fee schedule is available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/qs/ope/fees.htm.

Forms.  Forms  such as the declaration, small entity status, and provisional patent application are available on the Patent and Trademark Office's home page at http://www.uspto.gov/web/forms/.

Registered patent attorney or agent  The listings contain contact information for attorneys and agents with licenses to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.  https://oedci.uspto.gov/OEDCI/

Patents and Trademarks Research Guide -- Tutorials and Guides
 

USPTO web home page http://www.uspto.gov/

USPTO "How to Search" drop down menu http://www.uspto.gov/main/profiles/acadres.htm

USPTO general patent information http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm
USPTO's General Information Concerning Patents located at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html

International Patent Information http://www.uspto.gov/web/menu/other.htm

European Patent Office