How to Request a Patent

Requesting a patent could not be easier. Anyone with internet access can have immediate patent information. It is always a good idea to search all of the patent databases prior to applying for a patent. This way you will know if your idea is truly unique. Searching the US Patent and Trademark Office's databases online is free.

Things You'll Need

• Name on patent
• Patent number
• Patent date
• Classification code

Instructions

Request a patent issued after 1975 online

1. Search for the patent on the US Patent and Trademark Office's website. Patents issued from 1976 to the present can be searched using a quick search, advanced search or by the seven digit patent number. Do not include commas when searching patents by patent number.

2. Choose the quick search option to search for keywords in any of the patent fields. You can choose up to 2 fields with the terms AND, NOT, or ANDNOT

3. Choose an advanced search if you are looking for very specific information or if you wish to search for more than two fields at a time.

4. Choose the patent number search if you know the exact seven-digit patent number.

5. Enter in your information and click on the search button. There may be several choices. Click on the selection that you are looking for. You will see full text results of any patent you select.

Request a patent issued between 1790 and 1975 online

1. Go to the US Patent and Trademark Office's website. Read the document about how to view patent images. This will tell you about viewing and printing TIFF images on your computer.

2. Refer to the "Searching TIFF Image Patents" option. Enter in either the seven-digit patent number or the current U.S. Patent Office classification code. A list of available images will appear.

3. Choose the image that interests you by clicking on the link. The images can be saved to your computer or they can be printed.

Requesting a patent at a local US Patent and Trademark Depository Library

1. Go to the US Patent and Trademark Office's website to determine the location of a depository library close to you. Telephone the library for hours of operation, copy fees, payment types accepted and driving directions.

2. Bring all information about the patent you wish to request, such as name, date issued, classification codes and any keywords. The more information you have, the easier it is to locate the correct patent.

3. Go to the local depository library. The staff can assist you.

4. View the information that the staff retrieves for you. Request copies of the patent. There is a fee for copies.

References

• US Patent Office
• How to view a patent image file