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Intellectual Property Research

Resources for Intellectual Property Law Research, including patent law, trademark law, copyright law, and trade secret law

Patent Searching

UW Engineering Library Patent Searching Guide

PTRC's Multi-Step U.S. Patent Search Strategy:

STEP 1: Brainstorm terms describing your invention.

STEP 2: Conduct a keyword search using USPTO website's search feature.

STEP 3: Conduct an in-depth review of the documents found by your search.

STEP 4: Expand the search with relevant CPC classifications.

STEP 5: Review cited references.

STEP 6: Options for Broadening Your Search.