Searching the Patent Database at http://www.uspto.gov

• Patent images must be retrieved one page at a time.

• Patent images are only accessible from the full-text display of each patent.

• Successful printing of patent images is entirely dependent on the user's browser and image viewer software. USPTO does not provide support for printing problems. They do suggest, however, that with most image viewers (including AlternaTIFF), images may best be printed using the plug-in's print button rather than the browser's print function.

• US Patent Classification data (the Current US Classification field) reflects current classification data, (updated every two weeks), and may not match classification data on the printed patent.

• Changes to patent documents contained in Certificates of Correction and Re-examinations Certificates are not included in the text of the patent, but are included at the end of each patent's linked image pages.

• Assignment changes recorded at the USPTO are not reflected in the text or image portions of the database.

• If you have any questions about the patent application process, the USPTO strongly recommends that you consult with a registered patent attorney or agent. The USPTO cannot recommend attorneys or agents. For further information, see Patent Attorneys and Agents Registered to Practice before the USPTO.

• Additional information about the patenting process is available from R.M. Cooper Library, Clemson University - - South Carolina’s only Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL).

• The fact that an invention cannot be found by searching the patent database does not mean that the invention is patentable. A complete patentability search must consider all prior art, including earlier patents, foreign patents and non-patent literature. See the brochure General Information Concerning Patents for further information.

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Search tips:

• The right truncation symbol is $ polymer$

• Enclose exact phrases in " " "intraocular lens" - You cannot truncate words in " "

• Boolean logic:

• Combining indexes: AN/clemson and TTL/acne>

• The database is not case sensitive; therefore, searching Needle or needle will retrieve the same results.

• Use the Refine Search box to add terms to your original search. The same dates will be searched.

• Enter a number in the Start At box to skip to a 50-increment document list containing that number. For example, with a search results list of 251, entering 251 in the Start At box is easier than clicking on the Next 50 Hits Button 5 times.

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Boolean Search Page

• Select a year or range of years to search from the Select Years to Search drop down menu. Selecting All Years will search all dates at once.
• Enter a term in the Text Entry box labeled Term 1
• Select which specific field you would like to search from the drop down menu labeled Field 1, located to the right of the Term 1 box.
• Select a Boolean operator (and, or, andnot) from the menu labeled Operator, between the Term boxes.
• Enter a term in the Text Entry box labeled Term 2.
• Select which specific field you would like to search from the menu labeled Field 2, located to the right of the Term 2 box. Click on the Search button.
• A successful search will retrieve up to 50 patent titles. Click on the title to view the patent. Use the navigational arrows to go to the next page of the patent, or the next patent in the list. Or click on the button to view the next 50 hits.

Search Notes:

• Steps 4 – 6 are not necessary when searching for a single term

• For some terms, you must specify the field to search to get proper results. Specifically, you must select Patent Number or Inventor Name from the Field menu to search for these particular terms.

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Patent Number Page

1. Type a patent number into the search box and click on Enter. It is possible to search for more than one patent at a time, simply separate numbers with a space. Anything that is not a number will be ignored
2. A successful search will display the title(s) of the desired patent(s). Click on the title to view the entire text of the patent.

Search Notes:

• Non-utility patent prefixes are:

D	Design Patents
PP	Plant Patents
RE	Reissued Patents
T	Defensive Publications
H	Statutory Invention Registrations

 

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Manual Search Page

1. Select a year or range of years to search from the Select Years to Search drop-down menu. Selecting All Years will allow you to search patents from 1976-date at one time.
2. Type your query into the Text Entry box labeled Query. The query will take the form of a prefix for a particular field, and the term you wish to search, such as ttl/needle (to find "needle" in the title field.
3. Click on the Search button.
4. A successful search will retrieve up to 50 patent titles. Click on the title of interest to view the entire text of the patent.

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Advanced Search Page

The Advanced Search Page depends on fielded searching. See the following page for a list of the fields, along with examples of how they are used. This list is also included on the Manual Search Page. If you have questions about fielded searching, consult the Help Page for the Advanced Search Page, the FAQ Page, or the Help on Fielded Searching Page, all of which are available on the United States Patent and Trademark Homepage at http://www.uspto.gov

Fields Available for Searching

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Comments to: Jan Comfort