Good decisions start with reliable information. This page collects official patent office websites, free patent search tools and our own practical guides, so inventors, investors and industry readers can find trustworthy sources quickly.

Note: We are not affiliated with any of the offices or services listed below. Links are provided for convenience and education. Official rules and fees change, so always check the source directly and consult a registered patent attorney or agent for advice on your case.

National and regional patent offices

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

The US federal agency that examines and grants patents and registers trademarks. Its site covers application types, fees, forms and patent search. uspto.gov

USPTO resources for inventors and entrepreneurs

Practical USPTO material for independent inventors and small businesses, including guidance on getting started and assistance programs. Inventors & entrepreneurs resources

Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

The Canadian agency responsible for patents, trademarks, copyright and industrial designs, with guides for Canadian applicants. CIPO

Israel Patent Office

The Israeli government office that handles patents, designs and trademarks, with information on filing in Israel. Israel Patent Office

European Patent Office (EPO)

The office that grants European patents covering its member states through a single application procedure. epo.org

International systems

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

The United Nations agency for intellectual property. It administers international treaties and services, and publishes educational material for inventors and policy-makers. wipo.int

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

The PCT lets an applicant file one international application to seek protection in many countries, postponing national filing decisions. PCT at WIPO

How to use these resources

If you are new to patents, start with the office in the country where you live or plan to sell first. Read its introductory guides, learn the basic application types and fees, and note the deadlines that apply to you. Then use the free search tools to see what already exists in your field. Finally, read our guides to connect the legal picture with business strategy: who will make, sell and support your product, and whether a major partner is the wiser route to market.

Free patent search tools

Searching existing patents and publications, known as prior art, helps you understand what is already known, refine your idea and prepare better questions for your patent professional. These tools are free to use:

  • WIPO PATENTSCOPE: search international PCT applications and many national and regional patent collections.
  • Espacenet: the EPO’s free search service covering a very large collection of patent documents from around the world.
  • Google Patents: a fast, easy-to-use search across patents from many offices, with full text and citations.
  • The USPTO also provides its own patent search tools for US documents.
Remember: a free search is a valuable first step, but it is not a professional patentability or freedom-to-operate opinion. Ask a registered patent attorney or agent before making filing or launch decisions.

Our guides

Getting started

Partnering and deals

Patent policy and protection

Innovation history

Tools on this site

  • Invention Readiness Check: a free ten-question self-assessment.
  • Glossary: plain-English definitions of patent and commercialization terms.
  • FAQ: answers to common questions about pre-partnering, patents and our services.

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