US Patent Library

A Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) is a US Patent library designated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to receive and house copies of U.S. patents and patent and trademark materials, to make them freely available to the public, and to actively disseminate patent and trademark information. To be designated, a US Patent Library must meet the specific requirements and promise to fulfill the obligations outlined in the information brochure entitled Notes on Becoming a Patent and Trademark Depository Library.

US Patent Library Program began in 1871 when federal statute (35 USC 12) first provided for the distribution of printed patents to libraries for use by the public. During the Program’s early years twenty-two US Patent Libraries mostly public and all but several located east of the Mississippi River, elected to participate.

The premise behind US Patent Library is that dissemination of patents to the public has long been one of the primary missions of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent system provides mutual benefit to both the inventor and the country. New inventions lead to new technologies, create new jobs, and improve our quality of life. And US Patent Library helps facilitate the application of these inventions.

Benefits of Becoming a Patent and Trademark Depository Library
Many states value the presence of US Patent Library because it is a rich local resource for small businesses, research and development firms, university and governmental laboratories, and independent inventors and entrepreneurs. An active US Patent Library brings the newest technology in the form of patents to myriad potential users in a city, state or entire region. Patents also provide a unique body of scientific and technical literature that adds value and stature to US Patent Library collection. Access to trademark information provides a service in high demand by local businesses. The availability of high quality patent and trademark US Patent Library often attracts new communities of library users with the potential for new sources of library support.

Each US Patent Library must pay a nominal annual statutory fee to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In return, the following materials are provided:
Utility, Design, Plant and Reissue Patents
Reexamination Certificates
Statutory Invention Registrations (SIRs)
Post-issue patent status information
The Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (both patent and trademark sections)
All PTO search tools, indices and directories

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