As a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC), the Pennsylvania State University Libraries has a mission to support both our students and the public with finding patent and trademark information along with locating application materials.
Patent law is very important in design and engineering because patents can tell you if someone else already has a claim on a product design.
Where do you start?
Always begin with a "prior art" search by exploring different databases to find out whether someone else already has an idea similar to yours:
Sample topics:
Searching patents is an art unto itself. Explore this research guide designed by the University Libraries PTRC Librarian to learn more:
The Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic provides pro bono (free) intellectual property (IP) counseling services to Pennsylvania individuals, startups, and small businesses with limited financial resources. IP includes patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets.
The Office of Innovation Development of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides Pro Se (in one's own behalf) assistance and resources for inventors filing for a patent without the help of an attorney or agent.