PATENTS:
The Collection for All Reasons
Business - Culture - Education - History - Innovation - Law - Research
- Science - Technology
Why a Patent Collection?
The U.S. patent search file spans over 210 years and consists
of more than 7 million documents. From steam power to quantum physics,
it tells the story of science and technology since 1790. But it also bears
witness to the evolution of society. From fashion to fusion, nutrition
to nanotechnology, education to entertainment, patents document every
aspect of life. As such, patent history mirrors that of humanity; patent
trends reflect the rise and ebb of society’s every changing interests,
habits, fads and foibles.
There is much more to a patent collection than the obvious
connection to inventions and technology. No other collection offers so
much to so many and satisfies such a variety of information needs. The
U.S. patent search file has been described as the largest collection of
organized technical information in the world. Patent documents are frequently
cited as the first sources of information on new technologies.
A Powerful Tool
Comprehensive
With over 7 million patent documents, the U.S. patent search
file is one of the most complete and compact collections of technological information
in the world.
Unique
Patent documents contain technical information not published
elsewhere.
Accessible
This priceless repository of information is freely accessible
to the public on the web site of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
and in its search facilities in Alexandria, Virginia and at Patent and
Trademark Depository Libraries located around the country.
Multipurpose
Beyond research and development, patent document collections
are valuable planning and forecasting tools as well as legal, educational
and scholarly resources.
With Many Uses
As a result, no other collection answers the needs as diversified
as those of engineers, historians, lawyers, social scientists, business
and industry, educators, students of all ages, government agencies, inventors,
entrepreneurs and the general public.
Patentability Searches
Conduct a preliminary patent search to assess novelty of
an invention.
Research and Development
Evaluate the state of the art of a technology, develop new
- or improve upon existing - products and processes.
Technical Solutions
Solve specific problems, locate sources of expertise and
identify alternate technology.
Economic Trends
Survey markets, monitor and forecast activities of competitors
or industries.
Financial Risk
Avoid duplicating costly research; judge an alleged innovation
prior to venturing capital.
Legal Status
Conduct infringement or opposition proceedings; identify
licensing opportunities.
Historical Data
Study a time period, the history of technology and social
changes.
Marketing Resources
Compile mailing lists and databases, locate the addresses
of inventors or manufacturers.
Genealogical Research
Research and document family ancestors and accomplishments.
General Information
Satisfy lifelong learning and curiosity.
Who Uses Patent Information?
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Independent inventors.
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Businesses and industries.
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Industrial designers and professional artists.
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Scientists and researchers.
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Educators and students.
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Legal professionals, e.g. patent attorneys and agents.
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Professional patent searchers and paralegals.
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Entrepreneurs.
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Commercial database producers.
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Government agencies, particularly departments involved
in economic planning and development, industrial property activities
or licensing.
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Librarians and technical library administrators.
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Historians, social scientists and other scholars.
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Collectors and antiquarians.
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Journalists.
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General public.
Patent Facts
The first U.S. patent was issued on July 31, 1790 to Samuel Hopkins of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In
1790, the U.S. issued just three patents. In 2006, the U.S. issued 184,377
patents.
The
U.S. has issued over 7 million patents since 1790.
The
practice of numbering patents began in 1836. Patent No. 1 was issued to
Senator John Ruggles of Thomaston, Maine on July 13, 1836.
The
three most common types of patents are utility, design and plant.
The
four criteria for patents are novelty, usefulness, unobviousness and full
disclosure.
For more information, contact:
Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
PO Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
571 272-5750
571 273-0088 (fax) |