Patents

Definitions and descriptions of patents. List of what can and cannot be patented. Includes information for inventors.

A two-page visual guide to the important parts of a patent (by Michael White, Queen's University). Opens PDF.

Includes a section on answers to the most popular invention questions, a list of resources to help the inventor get started, and advice on how to bring your invention to market. Also includes news and information about the Invention Industry.

This page from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office explains patent laws in the United States for plant, design, and utility patents, and includes a FAQ section at the end of the page.

When citing patents in a text (article, research paper, etc.), there are different formats used, depending on the style of citation used. This page lists some of the most common styles used when citing a patent and gives examples of the citations.

There are hundreds of thousands of patented products on the market, almost all of which are known by a brand name or trademark. However, product names appear rarely in patent documents. The reason for this is because companies tend to file patent applications long before considering the name of a product. Patent offices also discourage the use of product names and trademarks in patent applications.

InventNet is a web-based inventor organization similar to an inventor club ( inventors forum ) and is suitable for people that want to be an inventor, have an invention or need patent help and learn how to patent an invention or a simple idea.

Lists invention promotion companies that the FTC has brought action against, were identified in court documents, or match a "Red Flag" profile.

This introduction to intellectual property protection is provided by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

The Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) is published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for use by patent attorneys and agents and patent examiners. It describes all of the laws and regulations that must be followed in the examination of U.S. patent applications, and articulates their application to an enormous variety of different situations.

Registered patent attorney's advice on invention promotion companies and a list of "Good Guy" marketing resources, including their fees.

The National Inventors Hall of Fame celebrates the life-changing achievements of U.S. patent holders and preserve their legacy.​

The Patent Information Users Group, Inc. (PIUG) – The International Society for Patent Information Professionals is a not-for-profit organization for individuals having a professional, scientific or technical interest in patent information. The mission of PIUG is to support, assist, improve and enhance the success of patent information professionals through leadership, education, communication, advocacy and networking.

This is a suggested Seven Step Strategy for conducting preliminary searches of U.S. patents and published applications using free online resources of the USPTO and its bi-lateral partner EPO (European Patent Office).

A Patent Glossary by Arnold B. Silverman and George K. Stacey, JOM, 48(9), 1996, p.77

Alphabetical List of Intellectual Property Offices by country.

WIPO has been mandated to prepare patent landscape reports in areas of particular interest to developing and least developed countries, such as public health, food security, climate change and environment.

RPX Insight (formerly known as PriorSmart) is a patent litigation research and news source. It is subscription-based resource that offers limited free access to materials. Payment is needed for more comprehensive access.

Patent blog authored by Dennis Crouch, Associate Professor, University of Missouri School of Law, and Jason Rantanen, Professor, University of Iowa College of Law

Free Patent Online provides a list of RSS feeds for new patents by subject and category. Updated weekly.