Intellectual Property Resources
The Los Angeles Public Library is a member of the Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program and assists the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in disseminating patent and trademark information to the public.
In the Science, Technology, and Patents Department at Central Library, we offer computerized searching of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Library users perform their own searches. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask library staff for instructions on use. We also have collections in print and microfilm. During regular library hours, we provide some assistance by telephone at 213-228-7220. If you need help, submit a request through Book-A-Librarian
Not sure what kind of intellectual property you have? Try the USPTO’s IP Identifier .
In-Depth Guides
Patents
A U.S. patent is a property right granted by the Government of the United States of America to an inventor.
Trade Secrets
An inventor is not required to obtain a patent.
Trademarks
Learn what a trademark is and how to search existing trademarks.
Copyright
Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works
Intellectual Property Resources in Print and on Microfilm
Official U.S. Patent Office Publications
| Document | Coverage |
|---|---|
| U.S. Plant Patents - microfiche | 1931 to date |
| U.S. Plant Patents - paper | 1978 to date |
| Annual Index of Patents and Annual Report of the Commissioner | 1790 to date |
International Patent Documents
| Document | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Canadian Patents Abstracts | 1911 to 1983, 1986 to 1999 |
| European Patent Office Documents | 1979 to 1994 |
| Federal Repository of Germany Patents | 1975 to 1994 |
| Federal Repository of Germany Applications | 1983 to 1994 |
| France | 1975 to 1994 |
| United Kingdom Old Law Patents | 1617 to 1981 |
| United Kingdom New Law Applications | 1979 to 1994 |
U.S. Copyright Office Publications
| Document | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Catalog of Copyright Entries | 1871 to 1978 |
| Copyright Decisions | 1789 to 1985 |
Publications about International Copyrights
| Document | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Copyright Bulletin (UNESCO) | 1953 to date |
Other Patent and Trademark Resource Centers
The Los Angeles Public Library is one of over eighty U.S. Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (formerly Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries) located throughout the United States. These libraries assist the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in disseminating patent and trademark information. Other Patent Resource Centers in California are: