The New York State Library has been a United States Patent and Trademark Resource Center since 1871.
The Library's collection includes nearly everything the USPTO has published and distributed, ranging from early material in paper, through microforms, CD/DVDs and up to their current online databases. The collection also includes many commercially published resources. You can use the patent collection for both patentability searches and historical inquiries.
There are three types of patents:
- Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.
- Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.
- Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant.
Most of the U.S. patent collection is housed on the 7th Floor of the State Library.
The public is welcome to visit the Library and use the U.S. Patent collection. The State Library has trained staff who will assist you in learning to use these tools. Appointments are not required to use the collection but are recommended if you would like assistance. You can make an appointment by calling 518-474-5355 or by sending an e-mail message.
State Library staff are not, however, patent attorneys or registered agents, and can not:
- provide legal advice,
- interpret your search results or strategies, or
- provide opinions on the viability of a patent application.
A directory of attorneys and agents registered to practice before the USPTO can be found on the USPTO Web site.
A patent for an invention, design or plant in the United States is the grant of a property right to the inventor or designer issued by the (USPTO). It is the exclusive right for a limited time period to make, use or sell the invention in the United States; it also prohibits others from importing the invention into the United States.
Additional Patent Resources
Inventors Assistance League: Nonprofit organization that has developed a self-help program for amateur and professional inventors. Includes a multicultural resource center.
Inventors Digest: Online version of magazine with articles written by successful inventors on such topics as marketing and business planning, avoiding scams, and trade shows. Links to inventor associations.
PIUG-Patent Information Users Group: An "organization for patent search professionals." Promotes improvement, retrieval, and dissemination of patent information. Education opportunities, discussion list, employment.
U.S. Small Business Administration: Online information on steps to starting, financing and expanding your own business. Description of SBA programs reaching out to small, low income, and minority owned businesses, as well as local SBA offices. Links to their technology transfer program and procurement opportunities. "Great Business Hotlinks" to patent, trademark and copyright information.