Olin Library: Chemistry: Patents

Learn the basics of the patent, how to prepare an application and file, the examination process, and maintaining a patent once it is granted.

Learn the different sections of a patent and how to read it.

Read the top 10 facts about patents.

This is a 38 minute web-based tutorial from the USPTO.

This is a suggested Seven Step Strategy for conducting preliminary searches of U.S. patents and published applications using free online resources of the USPTO and its bi-lateral partner EPO (European Patent Office).

"The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. In doing this, the USPTO fulfills the mandate of Article I, Section 8, Clause 8, of the Constitution that the legislative branch 'promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.'"

From the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), search 98 million patents including 4.1 million published international patent applications

Allows you to search granted patents and applications from the U.S., Europe, Australia, and beyond. Includes patents from the WIPO. Full-text available as HTML and/or PDF

Google Patents includes patent applications and grants from the USPTO, EPO, JPO, SIPO, WIPO, DPMA, and CIPO.