Patents: What is a patent?

What is a patent?

A patent is a legal document giving the patent owner certain exclusive rights to his/her invention for a limited time.

Patents are an excellent source of information on new technology, trends in technological development, and specific products or innovations. 

About this guide

This guide will lead you to information on

• how to find patents and tutorials on search techniques

• free patent websites

• resources for UCSD inventors

If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact me or use our Ask a Librarian service.