LibGuides: Computer Science and Computer Engineering: PATENTS

Search for Patents

CIPO Patent Search
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)' patent database providing granted patents and patent applications
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) Search
The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system, in force from 1 January 2013, is a bilateral system which has been jointly developed by the EPO and the USPTO. It combines the best classification practices of the two offices.
Espacenet Patent Search
European Patent Office (EPO)'s patent database providing patent documents worldwide
USPTO Patent Search
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)'s patent database for granted patents and patent applications
WIPO Patent Search
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s patent database providing international and national patent documents

WHAT IS A PATENT?

DEFINITION: A form of protection that provides a person or legal entity with exclusive rights for making, using or selling a concept or invention and excludes others from doing the same for the duration of the patent.

A patent is a grant of protection for an invention. It's granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and has a term of 14 to 20 years. Owning a patent gives you the right to stop someone else from making, using or selling your invention without your permission.

USPTO: Information about Patents

Information from the United States Patent and Trademark Office website regarding patents, such as types of patents, patent process, patent classification, statistics, patent laws and regulations etc.