Learn from an expert: How to search patents

Before filing your patent application, conducting a prior art search is the first step. Learn to search databases used by patent examiners on the USPTO Universal Public Workstations (UPWS) which are publicly available at the regional office. Space is limited, so register early.

This event and UPWS accounts are free and open to the public. If you do not already have a UPWS login account that is valid for 2019, please arrive approximately 30 minutes before the workshop to register for a UPWS account.

A USPTO supervisory patent examiner will demonstrate:

  • The benefits of searching
  • When you should search
  • Where you can search
  • How to use USPTO search tools

This session is meant for inventors, entrepreneurs, and those who have a beginning to intermediate knowledge of patents and would like to learn more about patent searching.

Most of the class will be in lecture format; however, you will have the opportunity to practice on our Universal Public Workstations during the last 30-45 minutes. Please note, you may have to share a workstation due to limited availability. Priority to use the workstations will be given to those who pre-registered and in the order of their arrival. You may want to allow extra time after class to use a workstation. 

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Please note that the Silicon Valley USPTO is a federal facility. Attendees are required to present a valid form of government-issued identification (driver license or passport) and may be subject to screening to gain access.

This event is accessible to individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation, including captioning, sign language interpreting, or other, please email siliconvalley@uspto.gov or call 408-918-9900.