How to Obtain a Copy of Your Patent

You can easily obtain a copy of your patent or any other patent registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a small fee. There are several different ways to obtain a copy of the patent and to arrange for payment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Obtain a Copy of Your Patent

1. Send an email message to the United States Patent and Trademark Office at [e-mail] and request a copy of the patent. You will need to give the actual patent number. The USPTO will make arrangements with you for payment.

2. Call the offices of the USPTO directly at [phone] or [phone]. The USPTO staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and will ask for the pertinent information. You can also arrange for a copy to be sent via overnight delivery using this same information.

3. Request a copy of your patent by fax. The fax number is [phone], and the fax service is available 24 hours a day. Make sure all information, including the patent number and payment instructions, is clearly written on the cover sheet.

4. Obtain a copy of your patent by mail. Address your request to Document Services, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. You can enclose a check or a money order with your request.

5. Pay for your patent copy using Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, or send a check or money order, made payable to the Director of Patents and Trademarks. Log onto the official Web site for the USPTO for the current fee schedules (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Enlist the services of a patent attorney or patent agent if you find the patenting process too overwhelming or confusing. The United States Patent and Trademark Office keeps a registry for these authorized individuals on its official Web site.
• Never use the terms "patented" or "patent pending" in relation to any invention or designs unless you have actually applied or have been granted a patent by the USPTO. Unauthorized use of these terms is considered fraudulent and is prohibited by federal law.

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