Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Searching on the Internet

In 1998 the U.S. Patent Office introduced searchable databases for patents and trademark registrations. Once available only through time-consuming trips to a Patent and Trademark Depository Library, such information now is as near as your PC - if you know how to look for it.
Begin with a look through this handy guide. From basic definitions to step-by-step instructions, it offers all the information you need to find patent and trademark information online. Sample web pages illustrate the types of sites you may encounter. Also discussed are the definitions, laws, and application procedures for copyright.