The term "Intellectual Property" refers to all kinds of intangible (not physical) types of property that people can own. Intellectual Property under U.S. law encompasses rights in copyrights, patents, trademarks, as well as trade secrets, rights of publicity and moral rights. (csusa.org)
Patent- A "patent" is a type of intellectual property that relates to inventions. Like copyright, patents give the creators of inventions a certain "bundle of rights," including the exclusive rights to (1) make copies of the invention, (2) use the invention for whatever purposes it was intended, (3) import copies of the invention, (4) sell copies of the invention, and (5) offer copies of the invention for sale, all for up to 20 years. (csusa.org)
Trademark- A "trademark" is any word, name, symbol or device used by a person or a company to identify and distinguish its products from the products of others in the same business. Titles, character names, and other distinctive features of advertisements (including songs) may be registered as trademarks of the person or company who offers the products advertised. (csusa.org)
United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademarks Home Their official website. In addition to searching the US Trademark Database you may also obtain, trademark forms online, information about Fees and view FAQs. The links to "Legal Resources" include laws, treaties, the Official Gazette, etc. for researching and obtaining a trademark.
California Secretary of State Trademarks and Service Marks The Frequently Asked Questions page is very helpful and includes definitions. See also California Business Search.
Important note: The patent process and patent searching are complex activities. The Cal Poly Pomona Library does not have the search tools or the staff expertise required for thorough patent searching. Patent search tools and trained staff are available at Patent and Trademark Resource Centers. UC Riverside, Los Angeles Public Library, and San Diego Public Library are the Patent Depositories closest to campus.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Most patents 1790 to present are now available. The pre-1976 patents are available as image files. A plug-in is required to view images -- read the information page on accessing full-page images. The USPTO website also provides general information on patents and trademarks, the patent process, forms, fees, and more.
Google Patent Search
Search patents from the USPTO database. PDF copies can be downloaded.
esp@cenet
Information service of the European Patent Office; search for European (EP) patents.
Get U.S. Patents in PDF format:
Intellectual Property Resources at the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) – the Central Branch of LAPL has the largest collection of U.S. patents on the West Coast, dating from 1790. Patent search tools and additional information is also available.
Invention and Patent Resource Hub from MIT – Provides information about their invention awards, as well as inventors, inventions, and inventing, including the Inventor's Handbook.
World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO is an international organization "dedicated to promoting the use and protection of works of the human spirit." The site includes information about WIPO and its activities, international treaties, information about intellectual property from an international perspective.