You can also visit the Public Search Facility for assistance with the new search tool. Our staff is available to answer your questions and help you navigate it. We also offer assistance with Patent Center, the patent application filing and management system.
In response to public feedback, Patent Public Search now offers the simplified Basic Search interface, ideal for new users or for those who only need to perform a quick lookup.
Public Search Facility
Local
571-272-3275
Fax
571-273-0021
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Public Search Facility (PSF), located in Alexandria, Virginia, provides public access to patent and trademark information in a variety of formats, including online, microfilm, and print. Visit our page about using the PSF to learn more about our online records and historical patent and trademark collections.
Librarians and other USPTO trained staff are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to help you find the information you need and provide technical and searching assistance. Individuals and groups can also make an appointment to receive a guided tour of the historical displays and information about public searching of patent and trademark collections.
The USPTO Public Search Facility is located in USPTO headquarters at 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
The Public Search Facility entrance will be on the left if you enter the Madison Building (at the center of the complex) from the Dulany Street entrance. Visit our parking and transportation page for more information.
Entry to the PSF is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Self-service access is permitted Monday through Friday from 5-8 p.m. to those with a previously issued smart card ID badge. (Read more about getting a smart card ID badge).
Research assistance is only offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The facility is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Refer to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website for current Washington area federal government operating status information.
Getting a visitor or smart card ID badge
You can get a visitor's badge from Security at the entrance of the PSF. Make sure to bring a valid photo ID. This badge is only for use in the PSF from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and must be returned when you leave. You cannot get a visitor's badge for the PSF after 5 p.m.
Smart card ID badges
You can also get a reusable smart card ID badge for access to the PSF. This type of badge additionally gives you access to the facility until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Smart card ID badges are obtained from the USPTO Security Services Centerfrom 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 571-272-8000 to make an appointment. You will need two forms of valid state or federal identification. The Security Services Center is located in room 1C51 on the lobby level of the Madison Building.
Free access and printing
There are no fees for using the automated systems. Unlimited searching, printing, and copying of all patent and trademark information within the Public Search Facility is available at no charge. Read about getting a refund on a UPWS system account balance.
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