Searching for a Patent
A patent is a property right granted by a government agency (in the United States, this is the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office) for a novel, useful, and non-obvious invention. Patent protection lasts for 20 years from the filing date and allows the inventor or their assignee to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention.
SJSU Library does not subscribe to a paid patent database; however, the following open patent databases will meet most research needs:
- Google Patents - Includes more than 120 million patents from over 100 countries. (See sample video tutorial, how to search Google Patents)
- The Lens (formerly Patent Lens) - Contains over 165 million patents from 95 countries. This free, open, international patent database features a modern search interface and offers unique tools, including gene sequence searching. (See tutorial)
- EspaceNet - Provides access to more than 160 million patent documents from over 80 countries. This European Patent Office (EPO) database offers broad international coverage. (See tutorial)
Additional resources:
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Public Search
Search for full text of US patents and patent applications, and trademarks. 1790-1995 patents are TIFF images only.
- Silicon Valley U. S. Patent and Trademark Office
Supported by a USPTO program and expert staff, PTDLs are the primary personalized channel for the distribution of patent and trademark information to the public.
- PatentScope
This World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) database searches international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications.
- Directory of Intellectual Property Offices - World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO)
Lists countries and website links. Some sites have an English version.
Patent Training Resources
Interested in a Career in Tech, working on a business idea, patent an invention?
Free events are offered on the library's 3rd floor at SJPL Works. Check out the schedule of events for resume building, interview skills, and career growth. Get help with how to patent an invention, become an entrepreneur.