Illinois State Library

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND COPYRIGHT

The Illinois State Library became a United States Patent and Trademark Depository Library in January 1984. As one of only two patent libraries in the state, the library supports Illinois' economic development efforts by providing individuals and businesses with current and accessible information.  The patent and trademark materials available at the Illinois State Library provide technical information that frequently cannot be found elsewhere. Individuals can use these resources to:

• Determine whether an idea can be patented;
• Obtain state of the art information in a specific subject area;
• Find specifications and drawings of known patents;
• Prepare lists of prior developments to be cited by patent applicants; or
• Gain access to information about registered and pending federal trademarks.

Patent searching is time consuming, and preliminary searches may last several hours.  For this reason, individuals should discuss their research needs with a depository staff member.  Appointments can be made for training or discussion of research needs by calling (217) 782-5659. The Patent and Trademark Depository is open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

United States Patent Information

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Frequently Asked Questions about Patents

United States Patent Related Forms

Search the Patent Full-Text and Full-Page Image Database

Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program

Patent Search Tutorial (from Penn State University)

Google Patent Search

United States Trademark Information

United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademarks

Frequently Asked Questions about Trademarks

United States Trademark Related Forms

Illinois Trademarks

United States Copyright Information

United States Copyright Office

Frequently Asked Questions about Copyright

Search Copyright Records

Foreign Patent Information

China Patent Information Center

European Patent Office

Japanese Patent Office

Additional Resource Links

Abraham Lincoln Related Patents 1849-1981

Federal Trade Commission

United States Department of Commerce

Patent Bibliographies

Recommended Patent & Trademark Web Links