Test our new general website search

The USPTO will be launching an updated and modern replacement for the general website search tool in the coming months. This improved search experience will better assist users by introducing new features, functionality, and customization. We are now sharing the beta system (link to search) to gather feedback from customers.

Try the new search


Do you have feedback on the tool?

While we actively develop the search tool, please share your feedback about the new search with our development team. Your feedback will assist us in prioritizing new features and functionality prior to an official launch. Your feedback is critical in improving this new tool. We want to hear from you.

Provide feedback about the tool


Searching the MPEP or Patent Classification databases

If you are trying to search within the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) or Patent Classification databases, please use the top dropdown menu to select the database first. If you are searching the “www.uspto.gov” section of the website, content from these more specific areas are hidden by default to increase the relevancy of your search results.

a screenshot showing the top sorter options of the search page

Are you trying to search for a patent or trademark?

The new general search tool does not yet surface results with patent or trademark specific terms at this time. We are working hard to integrate this functionality in a future update. If you are trying to search for a specific patent or trademark number, please use the links below:

Search for patents | Search for trademarks

 The general website search tool is able to identify common numerical strings related to patent searches. If you search for a 7, 8, or 11-digit number, a prompt may appear and will redirect your search to Patent Public Search. Your search term will be forwarded to Patent Public Search. 

screenshot showing if you type in a numeric search, a message asks if you are searching for a patent.

We are continuing to enhance this feature, so we invite customers interested in searching for trademarks to submit feedback to the development team.


Narrowing your search results 

screenshot showing the options to narrow your search results by web pages or documents.

Our general website search tool now includes more control over your search queries, giving you the ability to quickly and accurately narrow results to find the content you are looking for. You can limit your results to only web pages or documents by unselecting those boxes and clicking “Apply.” 

Additionally, you may narrow your results to a specific topic area. Certain selections allow you to narrow your results to information within specific areas of our website, including:

  • Patent or trademark guidance 
  • News or event items
  • Director’s Blog 
  • System status entries