The information and resources presented on this library guide are intended to support academic purposes of patent searching, such as identifying the "state-of-the-art" of technologies or conducting historical research regarding inventions. None of the information provided should be considered as legal advice or an interpretation of the law.
For questions or guidance regarding legal matters involving intellectual property, including patentability / novelty, freedom to operate / infringement, or validity / enforcement readiness, contact the Wyoming Technology Transfer and Research Products Center. Faculty, staff, and students of the University of Wyoming are governed by UW Regulation 9-1 on Patents and Copyrights, which specifies that inventions and works created through the use of University resources are the property of the University.
Most patents give exclusive rights, for at least 20 years from the date of application, to the owner of an invention or new process to make, use, or sell it. The right extends throughout the country or countries in which the patent was issued.
A patent document has three main sections: 1) a cover page with bibliographic information; 2) a specification, which describes the invention, and 3) claims, which define the extent of the patentee's rights.
The United States recognizes three types of patents: 1) utility, 2) design, and 3) plant.
Utility patents are the most common type and include processes, machines, articles of manufacture, compositions of matter, and new improvements of the aforementioned.
Design patents include new and original ornamental designs for articles of manufacture (i.e., the appearance of an item). Design patents are protected for 14 years from the date of issue.
Plant patents are for distinct and new varieties of asexually-reproduced plants.
There are many reasons to search patent literature to support academic purposes (apart from legal matters):
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Patent numbers consist of a 2-letter Country Code, a publication or serial number, and a publication Kind Code.
UW Libraries QuickSearch: includes the collections of the University Libraries, UW Law Library, and the American Heritage Center.
Prospector: a unified catalog of twenty-three academic, public and special libraries in Colorado and Wyoming. UW students, faculty and staff can borrow materials from Prospector.
Interlibrary Loan: UW students, faculty and staff can request books, journal volumes, journal articles and other materials, regardless of whether it is available in the UW Libraries, online or in libraries around the world. A free service!