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Patent Law: A Beginner's Guide

Patent Searches

 Patent Office employee pointing to copies of first patent granted after 1836 when patent laws were rewritten.
Harris & Ewing, photographer. Patent Office employee pointing to copies of first patent granted after 1836 when patent laws were rewritten. c. 1940. Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division.

Researchers interested in searching patent records can do so both in person, at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Public Search Facility, or online, using the websites listed below.


USPTO Public Search Facility


The USPTO Public Search Facility in Alexandria, Virginia provides public access to patent information in electronic, print, and microfilm collections. Librarians and other USPTO trained staff are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to help you find the information you need and provide technical and searching assistance.

The USPTO Public Search Facility is located at 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 in the Madison Building of USPTO Headquarters.


Finding Patents Online


The following free online resources provide access to searchable patent applications, granted patents, and related information. 

Patent Search Strategies and Guides


The USPTO offers the following step-by-step strategy and tutorial video to help guide your patent searches.