Information for inventors
Inventors who want to protect their invention must take out a patent. Before a patent can be registered, you (or your patent lawyer) should establish any "prior art". In simple terms, has the product already been invented by someone else?
Use these resources to do some preliminary research.
One Search
Check our catalogue under the subject heading "patent searching".
IP Australia
The website for Australian patent and trademark registration and searching.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
The website is searchable (using patent number/US classification only) from 1790 to 1975. From 1976 to the present, patents can be identified using advanced search facilities. Full-page images of the patent documents are provided free of charge. Appropriate software must be loaded on to your PC. Patent Application documents from 2001 to the present are also available. Always check both databases.
Free Patents Online
An alternative to the USPTO, this site offers access to all US patents, patent applications and partial European data. The patent documents are in PDF format.
Please note: We strongly advise that you seek the advice of IP Australia or a patent lawyer if you are serious about patenting your invention.
Celebrate the soundtrack of our state as SLQ sets the stage for the music of Queensland.
Open till 17 Nov
State Library of Queensland provides special library services for members who have an SLQ membership card (formerly known as an e-services card).
