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Michigan State University

Patents and Patent Information at the MSU Libraries: Finding Patents

Guide to US and international patent resources.

Search Strategy

When searching for patents it is important that you search in multiple databases since time period covered, scope, updating frequency, and types of patents included vary from database to database. Patent searching is time consuming but it is important that you conduct a thorough search to ensure that you infringing on the intellectual property of others. Keep track of the terms that you have searched for and in which database you have looked.

U.S Patent Searching

Full and comprehensive patent searching for the purposes of patent filing and application should be conducted at the Patent and Trademark Offices Public Search Facility or a Patent and Trademark Depository Library. The advice of a patent attorney is strongly recommended. The following guides provide basic guidance.

Country-specific Patent Databases

U.S. and International Patent Databases

Note: Some journal/literature indexes may also include related patents. Check the MSU E-Resources pages.
Subject-specific databases for finding patents: