How Do I Contact the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office?
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can be reached on the Internet at www.uspto.gov. The USPTO site features general information on USPTO services, points of contact, laws and regulations covering patents, and searchable patent databases.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can be reached at:
The USPTO defines a patent as a "grant of a property right by the Government to the inventor to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention". The USPTO distributes a very useful publication, General Facts about Patents, which includes general information on what a patent is, who can apply for a patent, fees involved in obtaining a patent, and accessing the Patent and Depository Libraries.
Obtaining a patent involves submitting a patent application containing a description of the patent, claims, and a drawings, if necessary. Detailed information concerning filing for a patent can be found in the USPTO booklet, General Information Concerning Patents. A patent attorney or agent may assist in the preparation of a patent application. The USPTO maintains a roster of attorneys or agent registered to practice. Three categories of patents are issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: utility patents; design patents; and plant patents.
Where Can I get a Copy of a Patent?
Copies of patents can downloaded (for free) from the following websites:
These sites only allow one to download patents one page at a time (although you can get the text, without images, from the USPTO all at once) and can be time consuming to obtain. In some instances, it may be easier to order a patent from the USPTO, or from one of many commerical sources such as Dialog and Micropatent. This will be discussed in the next section.If you do not have access to the Internet, the best source of patent information in through the Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program and local Federal Depository Libraries.
How Do I Find Out What is Already Patented? (for free!)
Intellectual Property Resources and Issues
Return to the Technology Transfer FAQ
Last updated: April 5, 2004.