Get Started
On this page, you will find info about a few of the key resources to help with your patent search.
The library also offers a more comprehensive Patents Guide, which includes info about:
- What patents are
- Why patents are important
- Where to search for patents
- How to find patents relevant to your work
- Tutorials to help you use patent databases effectively
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Bolognese at j.bolognese@northeastern.edu.
Key Resources
Patent databases:
- Google Patent SearchSearches full text of many patents on the web. International coverage. Algorithms may not bring back the most recent or all relevant patents. Use Advanced Patent Search to search by various criteria including filing date and chemistry.
- LensThis free and open database of international patents has a modern, easy to use search interface and offers some unique patent searching tools, including gene sequence searching and patent citation analysis so that you can easily find related patents and other scholarly works.
- US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)Definitive source for US patents. USPTO also offers information about trademarks, US Intellectual Property policies, and instructions for how to apply for a US patent.
- SciFinder-n (CAS) This link opens in a new windowSciFinder-n provides access to the worlds most comprehensive and reliable collection of scientific research information, including millions of records and up-to-date patent and chemical information curated and aggregated by a global network of expert scientists. Links to patents and Northeastern-subscribed materials.
Patent searching tutorials: