Search for Patents
Patents may be searched in the following methods:
- USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database (PatFT)
- Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries (PTDLs)
- Patent Official Gazette
- Search International Patent Offices
- Search Published Sequences
- Search Patent Applications
- USPTO Patent Application Full-Text and Image Database (AppFT)
- Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR)
- Patent Assignment Database (Assignments on the Web)
USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database (PatFT)
Inventors are encouraged to search the USPTO’s patent database to see if a patent has already been filed or granted that is similar to your patent. Patents may be searched in the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database (PatFT). The USPTO houses full text for patents issued from 1976 to the present and TIFF images for all patents from 1790 to the present.
Searching Full Text Patents (Since 1976)
Customize a search on all or a selected group of elements (fields) of a patent.
Searching TIFF Image Patents (Since 1790)
Searches are limited to patent numbers and/or classification codes for pre-1976 patents.
Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries (PTDLs)
Your nearest Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) maintains local search resources and may offer training in patent search techniques.
Patent Official Gazette
The Electronic Official Gazette allows users to browse through the issued patents for the current week. The Official Gazette can be browsed by classification or type of patent, for example, utility, design, and plant.
Search International Patent Offices
Search the European and Japan Patent offices to see if your idea has been patented abroad.
- European Patent Office (EPO)
- Japan Patent Office (JPO)
Search Published Sequences
The Publication Site for Issued and Published Sequences (PSIPS) web site provides Sequence Listings, tables, and other mega items for granted US patents or published US patent applications.
All sequences (SEQ ID NOs.) and tables for listed patents or publications are available for viewing, without downloading, by accessing the proper document detail page and then submitting a SEQ ID NO or a mega table ID number.
Search Patent Applications
Search for patent applications in the Application Full-Text and Image Database (AppFT) or on information associated with a current patent or published patent application using the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system.
USPTO Patent Application Full-Text and Image Database (AppFT)
Search for Full-Text and Image versions of patent applications. Customize searches on all fields of a patent application in the AppFT for Full-Text searches.
Searches are limited to patent numbers and/or classification codes for Full-Page images.
Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR)
The Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system provides IP customers a safe, simple, and secure way to retrieve and download information regarding patent application status.
Patent Assignment Database (Assignments on the Web)
Visit the Assignments on the Web web site to search for patent assignments and changes in ownership.
